Abstract
Coral reefs have immense ecological significance and provide crucial economic benefits, but they are facing an unprecedented decline globally due to anthropogenic forces. Urbanization and population expansion put greater stress on coastal coral communities where they are needed most, which can intensify macroalgae growth rates and lead to a decrease in coral cover. However, there is still hope as some reef coral communities in urban areas exhibit higher coral cover, higher growth rates, and lower partial mortality. Furthermore, coral restoration projects, which propagate reef-building corals like Acropora palmata, can be crucial for bolstering a healthy and resilient coral population. This study aimed to evaluate the response and differences of A. palmata when outplanted to an urban reef near the Port of Miami in comparison to corals being grown at an offshore nursery. We collected data on spatial and genetic variation in growth, condition, bleaching response, and lipid levels of the A. palmata outplants over seven months between the two sites. We found that the corals at the urban site exhibited significantly higher growth rates, lower partial mortality, and higher lipid levels than the ones grown in the offshore nursery. The urban corals also had higher bleaching prevalence but recovered much better. This research highlights the potential for nearshore coral rearing and/or restoration to bolster a healthier and more resilient coral population in urban areas.