In response to growing human pressures and climate change, a team of Australian scientists led by Dr. Georgina Wood at Flinders University has introduced a groundbreaking online tool called ‘Reef Adapt.’
This initiative, developed in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of Western Australia, aims to support marine managers and restoration experts in enhancing the resilience of habitat-forming marine species.
Reef Adapt utilizes genetic data from various marine species, including critical reef-building corals and habitat-forming kelps, to identify areas likely to host populations that can thrive under changing environmental conditions.
The platform provides users with maps that highlight suitable restoration sites based on current and future climate scenarios.
Australian scientists unite to support conservation efforts for key marine species and ecosystems.Initially, it will feature data for 27 species collected from 420 global sample locations, with plans for users to upload their data to broaden the conservation scope.
Dr. Wood emphasizes the necessity of integrating climate adaptation into restoration projects, especially as global efforts intensify to restore ecosystems.
This aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity’s goal of restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
The Reef Adapt tool is among the first of its kind for marine environments, aiming to eliminate barriers to accessing vital genetic information.
Dr. Melinda Coleman from NSW DPIRD highlights that this innovative web tool will aid marine managers, restoration practitioners, and stakeholders in making informed decisions about sourcing climate-resilient stock for restoration and aquaculture.
The development of Reef Adapt involved gathering nearly 10,000 reference data points and extensive environmental data, ensuring it is a comprehensive resource for marine conservation.