M/V FIRAT removal, grounding assessment, hard coral reattachment, and monitoring-A case study

The Turkish freighter M/V FIRAT grounded along the nearshore reef off Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 15 November 1994. Following the grounding event, the freighter was removed from the grounding location along a pre-surveyed line to ensure no further damage to the nearshore reef would occur. After removal, a qualitative assessment was conducted using an integrated video mapping system to delineate the boundaries of the impacted areas, make qualitative observations concerning the spatial distribution and severity of the impacted areas, and provide baseline information for tasks related to damage compensation. Based on grounding assessment data, a project was conducted to reattach viable hard coral colonies present within the impacted areas. A major portion of the impacted areas was searched for viable hard coral colonies (including specimens dislodged during the grounding or by natural processes) to be reattached to the impacted substrate. A total of 588 hard coral colonies, representing 12 species, was reattached at 16 sites within the impacted area. Of the 588 reattached coral colonies, 127 were permanently tagged and mapped for monitoring efforts. A site visit was conducted approximately 5 months following coral reattachment to assess the condition of the reattached coral colonies. Results of the site visit indicated that approximately 90% of the reattached coral colonies were healthy and firmly attached to the substrate. A 5-year monitoring program has been proposed to evaluate the success of the hard coral reattachment project as a means of long-term restoration for nearshore reef habitat and to provide guidance in future restoration efforts. This project was a cooperative effort between the responsible party, their representatives, and the State of Florida which presented a unique approach for applying resource restoration to compensatory measures.