SOAR to Launch a New Study Exploring Whether Familiarization Can Improve Diadema antillarum Retention

SOAR is set to begin a new research study to investigate whether Diadema antillarum are more likely to remain at restoration sites when they are familiarized with reef rubble and living tissue structure prior to stocking and then released alongside that structure. Support for this research was provided in part by a contract from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation under Federal Award NA20NMF4630328. This funding will allow our team to explore an idea we have been interested in testing for many years. 

The study will utilize Diadema that were collected from larval settlement collectors and grown out within our in situ nursery systems. These naturally settled juveniles reflect size classes commonly used in restoration efforts and provide an opportunity to evaluate whether familiarization may influence retention under realistic deployment conditions. The approach intentionally focuses on low-cost, low-tech methods that resemble the natural reef environment, avoiding the introduction of artificial structures and emphasizing materials that already occur on the reef.

Retention and survival remain primary limitations in Diadema antillarum restoration, and the outcome of this work is uncertain. The purpose of this research is to determine whether familiarization has the potential to improve Diadema antillarum retention and to better understand whether this approach could support a more effective restocking strategy.

This study is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Florida, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Preparations are currently underway, including material staging and early project setup. This work represents a meaningful step toward advancing Diadema antillarum restoration practices and supporting the long-term recovery of reef ecosystems in the Florida Keys and the greater Caribbean region.