Xianming Li , Fei Zhao

Aquatic Biology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 6   doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0039
Received: 20 Oct., 2024    Accepted: 29 Nov., 2024    Published: 12 Dec., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Li X.M., and Zhao F., 2024, Integrated approaches to restore ecosystem functions in degraded coral reefs, International Journal of Marine Science, 14(6): 350-358 (doi: 10.5376/ijms.2024.14.0039)

Coral reefs provide habitats for a vast array of marine life and play a crucial role in coastal protection, tourism, and fisheries. However, they are facing severe degradation due to multiple stressors such as climate change, overfishing, ocean acidification, and pollution. This study reviews the research progress on biological and technological interventions, including coral gardening, assisted evolution, 3D-printed artificial reefs, and genetic editing. It further explores the synergistic effects of these approaches across ecological, social, and governance dimensions. By analyzing successful cases and lessons from failures, the study proposes strategies integrating marine protected areas, habitat connectivity restoration, and community participation to enhance the resilience and recovery potential of coral reefs. The aim is to provide theoretical foundations and practical strategies for the conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems, contributing to global sustainable marine ecology.

Coral reef restoration; Climate change; Marine biodiversity; Biological interventions; Sustainable marine ecology