First assessment of the physiological performance of nursery corals in the Galápagos Islands: seasonal impacts on Pocillopora (Scleractinia: Pocilloporidae) growth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/0xznfj40Keywords:
coral gardening; thermal stress; La Niña, intraspecific variation; Eastern Tropical Pacific; coral physiological condition.Abstract
Introduction: Coral communities in the Galápagos Islands persist under highly variable oceanographic conditions driven by seasonal upwelling and ENSO-related thermal anomalies, which have historically constrained reef development and recovery. Following the 1982–83 El Niño event (~97 % coral mortality), recovery has been slow and fragmented. Despite this, Pocillopora remains the dominant reef-building genus in the central-southern archipelago and a key target for restoration. However, it remains unclear how seasonal thermal variability influences coral performance in nursery settings.
Objective: To evaluate how seasonal thermal variability affects the growth, survival, and condition of Pocillopora corals in nursery settings in the Galápagos, in order to inform restoration strategies.
Methods: Coral communities were assessed in Puerto Villamil Bay (Isabela Island), and 12 Pocillopora morphotypes were propagated in rope nurseries. Fragments were monitored using photographic records, and surface area was measured with ImageJ. Absolute, relative, and specific growth rates were calculated, along with mortality and tissue condition (% dead, bleached, and algal cover). In situ temperature data and El Niño 1+2 anomalies were incorporated to characterize thermal variability.
Results: The coral community was dominated by Pocillopora (73.6 %, n = 3 569 colonies). Temperatures ranged from 18.7 to 30.1 °C under La Niña conditions. Fragment size increased more than fourfold (from 6.40 ± 2.51 to 27.75 ± 15.85 cm²), with an overall survival rate of 80 %. Growth exhibited strong seasonal patterns: relative and specific growth rates were higher during the warm season, while absolute growth was greater in the cold season. However, the cold upwelling period was associated with reduced overall performance, including higher mortality, tissue loss, and algal overgrowth. Significant differences among morphotypes were observed.
Conclusions: Coral gardening is viable in the Galápagos, although seasonal cooling imposes important constraints. Restoration strategies should prioritize resilient morphotypes and account for seasonality to optimize outcomes in marginal reef systems.
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