Which advantage is NOT typically associated with in situ nurseries compared to ex situ nurseries?

In situ nurseries, which are located in the natural environment where the coral species are found, typically do not provide a sheltered environment like ex situ nurseries, which are often placed in controlled, protected settings such as laboratories or designated facilities. The sheltered environment in ex situ nurseries allows for better protection against environmental stressors, predators, and adverse conditions, which are significant advantages for nurturing corals that may not be present in in situ settings.

In situ nurseries tend to have low operational costs since they often rely on natural resources and do not require the extensive infrastructure that ex situ nurseries do. They can also effectively use low-tech methods, relying on natural processes and local conditions to promote coral growth, which is not always feasible with the more technologically dependent ex situ methods. Additionally, in situ nurseries might experience fewer equipment malfunctions because they often depend less on sophisticated equipment compared to the often highly controlled settings of ex situ nurseries.

Thus, the absence of a sheltered environment is why this advantage is not typically associated with in situ nurseries when compared to ex situ options.