Following the severe 2023-24 coral bleaching events that unfolded across the Caribbean, The Nature Conservancy’s U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) program pivoted the focus of its Coral Innovation Hub to incorporate resilience into reef science and management. With the goal of enhancing coral resilience and increasing the post-outplanting survivorship of restored reefs, the program proposes a multi-step approach that integrates innovative tools with existing management practices.
During this webinar, Jessica Ward, USVI Program Director with The Nature Conservancy, gave a tour of the USVI Coral Program and the history of the Coral Innovation Hub, highlighting the need to pivot to restoration approaches that address climate change and increasing water temperatures. Caitlin Lustic, USVI Coral Program Manager, presented details of the USVI Coral Program’s resilience toolbox, including genetic and thermal testing and lab-rearing techniques.
Dr. Steve Schill, Director of Science and Strategy, TNC Caribbean Division, followed with a presentation on the use of drones to conduct remote sensing missions in the USVI, looking for coral reef climate refugia and finding thermally tolerant corals. Dr. Schill also shared how managers with small budgets can get started with drone monitoring and utilize these cutting-edge technologies to improve their management outcomes.
This webinar was brought to you by the Reef Resilience Network with support from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.
