A study led by the University of California Davis found that installing small, hexagonal structures across coral reefs is a successful strategy for rehabilitating coral reefs. These structures called spiders have increased coral coverage in the center of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle from 10% to 60%. They also stabilize rubble and allow for water to flow through freely. This method is cost effective and can easily be applied to coral reefs around the world. These spiders also allow for coral reefs to regrow and acclimate to worsening ocean conditions. Coral bleaching also affected less than 5% of the coral in the areas with spiders.
It is very important to develop techniques to protect coral reefs. They benefit aquatic life and are important ecosystems, but they also help humans economically. This is because they are the foundations for many fisheries and also attract tourists which provides jobs. Coral reefs also provide natural coast security and a food source for many families. Developing strategies to protect them requires a lot of research, but it is important to help the environment and humans.