Growth and survival of unattached Madracis mirabilis fragments transplanted to different reef sites, and the implication for reef rehabilitation

Unattached fragments of the branching scleractinian coral Madracis mirabili s were transplanted at four different fringing reefs over distances up to 2 7 km along the coast of the island of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Growth and survival of the different transplantations at a depth of 5-6 m was var iable, but in general related to bottom sediment cover and movement of the fragments. Fragmentation had significant detrimental effects on growth and survival of the fragments. No difference was found between growth and survi val of fragments which were fragmented/transplanted in situ on the reef and those which received a surface control treatment. Survival rates of M. mir abilis fragments at different sites were 20-49% after 4 mo. Although these rates were average to good, compared to other studies and compared to survi val of hurricane-generated fragments, unattached fragments are unsuitable f or reef restoration projects as mortality is likely to continue to increase over a longer time span.