SOAR Study Documents Survival and Grazing Activity in Restocked Diadema antillarum

One month after deployment, we are observing a 42.04% retention rate of the Diadema antillarum released at our experimental plots. These results are promising and provide valuable insight. 

Notably, the vast majority of individuals remain within 15ft of their original deployment location, demonstrating strong site fidelity, a critical factor for successful restocking efforts. We also documented clear signs of grazing activity, an encouraging indication that these urchins are resuming their ecological role in controlling algal growth. 

By closely tracking movement and survival, this study contributes valuable field data to inform and strengthen restoration efforts in the Caribbean. Continued monitoring will help us determine longer-term trends and better understand how these urchins are establishing on the reef.