Caribbean SIDS are under threat from coastal erosion and flooding amplified by climate-related sea level rise and associated coastal storm events. Coastal communities, artisanal fisheries, and tourism are at risk. Modelling of coastal hazard risks has demonstrated the positive and cost-effective role that coral reefs can play in hazard mitigation and adaptation and suggests that shallow reef crest fore reefs (once dominated by elkhorn coral) dissipate the most energy. However, the flattening of Caribbean reefs has reduced their potential as a natural coastal defense. The project proposes a regional intervention across Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, involving a team of scientists, practitioners, and local site managers, to demonstrate the role that coral enhancement of reef crests using elkhorn coral has on improving habitat and reducing wave energy through: (1) coastal risk modelling, (2) reefscape-scale coral restoration/enhancement, and (3) creating tools for adaptive management. The regional case studies will culminate in stakeholder capacity building with a framework for replication, and a policy brief to support the role of policy-level intervention to priorities and provide financial mechanisms to support coral (reef) enhancements and restorations for coastal protection, particularly as related to climate change.
