Finding appropriate solutions to a particular damage scenario is hampered by a general lack of quantitative descriptions of the ecological effects of anthropogenic disturbance on coral reefs and an even greater lack of data describing the direction and rate of natural reef recovery. Hypothesis driven, ecological studies and quantitative, long-term monitoring programs are the only means of answering many of these critical questions. Various methods as well as different locations may produce unexpected results. Accordingly, if restoration designs are not meeting the desired objectives, they should be modified or revised for the greater vision of the whole ecosystem. Thus, the use of adaptive management techniques to guide future restoration efforts is also an important approach.
Reef restoration is a multidisciplinary effort.
Accordingly, the implementation of successful projects will require a team of dedicated individuals. This team should include biologists, geologists, engineers, economists, and others as required, each committed to a common vision. It is to be hoped that some of these lessons learned will help to develop successful restoration efforts into the future. In addition, because of the infancy of this enterprise, the continued sharing of information will be vital to improving restoration strategies over time. The status of reef restoration has improved a great deal in a very short time, as reef scientists and managers we should all be excited with the opportunities that lie ahead.