Whining, croaking, roaring, raspberry and fog corners are among the sounds that prove the success of the coral reef restoration project.

Thousands of square meters of corals are growing on the previously destroyed coral reefs in Indonesia, but it was previously unclear whether these new corals will restore the entire coral reef ecosystem.

Now, a new study led by researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Bristol has found healthy and diverse soundscapes on the restored coral reef.

These sounds-many of which have never been recorded before-can be used with visual observation to monitor these important ecosystems.

"The restoration project can successfully cultivate corals, but this is only part of the ecosystem," said Dr Tim Lamont, the lead author of the University of Exeter and Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project, which is restoring coral reefs in central Indonesia.

"This study provides exciting evidence that restoration is indeed effective for other coral reef organisms-by listening to the sounds of coral reefs, we have recorded the return of various animals."

Professor Steve Simpson of the University of Bristol added: “Some of the sounds we recorded are really strange and new to us as scientists. We still have a lot to understand their meaning and the animals that make them. . But for the time being, it’s great to hear that the ecosystem is coming back to life."

The sound landscape of the restored coral reef is different from the sound landscape of the existing healthy coral reef-but the sound diversity is similar, indicating that the ecosystem is functioning healthily.

Compared with degraded coral reefs, there are significantly more fish sounds recorded on healthy and restored coral reefs.

This study used 2018 and 2019 audio recordings as part of the monitoring plan of the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.

The results were positive for the project’s approach, in which a hexagonal metal frame called "Reef Stars" was planted with corals on a large area. Coral Reef Star stabilizes the loose gravel and initiates the rapid growth of corals, thus revitalizing the wider ecosystem.

Mochyudho Prasetya of the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project said: “We have been restoring and monitoring these reefs in Indonesia for many years. It’s amazing to see more and more evidence that our work is helping the reefs to restore life.”

Professor David Smith, chief marine scientist at Mars, added: “When the soundscape recovers like this, the coral reef is more likely to be self-sustaining because these sounds will attract more animals to maintain and diversify the coral reef population.”

When asked about the multiple threats to coral reefs, including climate change and water pollution, Lamont said: "If we do not address these broader issues, the condition of coral reefs will become worse and worse, and eventually recovery will become impossible. possible.

"Our research shows that coral reef restoration is indeed feasible, but this is only part of the solution. It must also include rapid action on climate change and other threats to coral reefs around the world."

The research was partly funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the Swiss National Science Foundation.

-This press release was originally published on the University of Exeter website

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