Morpho-Functional Group Dynamics at a Coral Restoration Site in Mabini, Philippines

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) initiatives like coral restoration sites have potentially changed ecological conditions by influencing species composition and structural attributes. While numerous studies highlight the positive impacts on coral survival and coverage of coral restoration projects, there is a growing need for in-depth investigations into the morphological traits of coral species and the community-level structure. Here, we conducted benthic surveys during January 2020 and May 2023 in a coral restoration site located in the Maritime Police Camp (Mabini, Philippines), and compared the morpho-functional groups between timepoints. Surveys conducted in 2023 demonstrated a significant increase in arborescent hard corals compared to 2020. Additionally, outstanding sponges and other life categories (e.g., echinoderms & mollusks) showed notable increases in 2023. These observations suggest a rise in fast-growing corals and enhanced structural complexity during the pandemic, likely linked to reduced anthropogenic pressures. However, causality cannot be confirmed, particularly in the context of COVID-19 restrictions, highlighting the need for further long-term and multi-site studies conducted under similar conditions of reduced anthropogenic pressure to better understand the ecological responses observed here. The observed temporal shifts in coral and benthic communities at the restoration site highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management in coral restoration. In particular, future restoration efforts can become more precisely tailored to promote long-term biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of coral reefs in the face of environmental change.