Which coral species are commonly involved in restoration efforts?

Hard corals, belonging to the order Scleractinia, are the primary focus of coral restoration efforts due to their structural importance in reef building and their role in creating habitats for various marine organisms. These corals contribute significantly to the biodiversity and resilience of coral reefs, making them essential for restoration initiatives aimed at rebuilding damaged ecosystems.

Soft corals, categorized under the order Alcyonacea, are also sometimes included in restoration efforts, although they do not play the same structural role as hard corals. Soft corals can enhance the biodiversity of a restored area and may provide additional habitat complexity, which supports various marine species.

On the other hand, the option mentioning only hard corals overlooks the potential advantages of incorporating soft corals into restoration projects. Man-made corals and synthetic corals do not exist in nature as living ecosystems and are usually not considered for natural coral restoration, while underwater grasses and algae do not fall under coral species and serve different ecological roles.

Thus, the inclusion of both hard and soft corals in restoration efforts provides a more comprehensive approach to rebuilding and enhancing coral reef ecosystems.