MARUM Research Academy

In-situ evaluation of shading approaches to facilitate health, resilience, and restoration of coral reefs in the Philippines

Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, yet they are increasingly threatened by ocean warming, leading to widespread coral bleaching and mortality. Alongside broader climate change mitigation efforts, innovative approaches are needed as complementary measures to conventional restoration methods to directly mitigate coral bleaching and enhance their effectiveness.

My doctoral research investigates the potential of artificial shading as a locally applicable tool to reduce solar radiation during heat stress periods and thus protect corals from bleaching and mortality. The project focuses on how different shading approaches and intensities affect coral survival, coloration, and physiological performance across varying seasonal temperature regimes. In addition, I aim to explore how shading can be integrated into restoration techniques such as reef stars, and how it influences coral larval settlement, growth, and herbivore interactions.

This work aims to identify locally adapted restoration approaches that enhance coral health and resilience under changing environmental conditions on coral reefs around Sipaway Island in the Eastern Philippines.