MPAs

Hogfish nibbling at algae located near the planted corals [23]

Management actions that may be taken now by the previously listed knowledge involves more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and critical thinking about the methods of management that will enhance the effectiveness of MPAs. An MPA can range from an area that is closed to all human activities to a conservation area with limited recreational activities. So unsustainable fishing would be illegal in these area. The absence of trawling would mean less pollution as well. 

Ideally in MPAs, priority must be given to reef species that are highly threatened or endemic. Diversity must be maintained and conservation efforts should lead to species richness (5). Research parameters such as depth, wave action impacts, substrate composition and species tolerance should be evaluated (12). The use of underwater coral nurseries has been applied as a practical instrument in enhancing MPAs. These nurseries are basically farm raised corals that are transplanted to natural reefs. It's analogous to breeding animals in captivity and then releasing them into the wild.

Strings of coral growing on lines in an ocean nursery.
These are used to restore coral reefs off Key Largo in Florida [23].

In a study conducted by Mumby, it was seen that coral reefs population displayed a healthy demographic flux inside the reserves, with colonies growing from smaller sizes to larger sizes. The prevention of over fishing of herbivores fishes in studies has also prevented macroalga cover [9].

MPAs are effective in preventing coral losses, especially the time duration of this protection. This finding is consistent with previous work done on commercial fish stocks in Europe and southern Australian reef communities [11]. The positive effects of MPAs increases with years of protection. In fact coral cover has begun to increase to rates of approximately 2% annually, which is considered high, with around 22 years of protection.

Finally, there is evidence that the current best management tools employed in coral reefs worldwide has fail to achieve restoration objectives in increasingly documented cases, the reefs are still degrading [12]. This is majorly due to the worsening climate change that creates catastrophic nature disasters and coral bleaching. But MPAs are critical in the protection of the coral reef ecosystem. Results have shown that MPAs are effective in reducing coral loss. There are also established programs that educates local villagers on sustainable fishing and extending the life of their resource. 

Despite the grim outlook on restoration objectives, it must be noted that even a slower decline in coral reef 
restoration is better that no effort at all. Also, the current best management tools are the best for now, this does not mean there will never be a possibility of a more effective conservation method.