Which coral restoration method focuses on cultivating coral fragments in a controlled environment?

The method that focuses on cultivating coral fragments in a controlled environment is coral gardening. This approach involves the collection of coral fragments, which are then nurtured in underwater nurseries. These nurseries provide an ideal setting where conditions such as light, water flow, and protection from predators can be controlled to optimize the growth and health of the coral. Over time, these fragments can grow and develop into healthy corals that can later be transplanted onto degraded reef areas, contributing to reef restoration efforts.

In contrast, out-planting refers to the process of taking grown corals from these nurseries and attaching them back onto the natural reef. Reef ball construction involves creating artificial structures to provide habitats for marine organisms, but it doesn’t specifically focus on cultivating corals. Microfragmentation is a technique that involves breaking corals into smaller pieces to promote faster growth rates, but it does not inherently imply controlled cultivation in a nursery setting. Therefore, coral gardening is the precise method that emphasizes the cultivation of coral fragments under controlled conditions.