Coral reef restoration programmes are scaling up globally to rebuild degraded reefs, with direct implications for the welfare of the thousands of species that depend on reef structure for food, shelter, and breeding.
Coral restoration matters for welfare because the fish, invertebrates, and other animals that inhabit reefs require structural complexity for fundamental life functions. Bleached reefs provide inadequate shelter from predators, reducing fish welfare and survival. Rubble fields following bleaching events are hostile environments for the species adapted to live among live coral branches. Each hectare of restored reef translates into habitat for thousands of individual fish and invertebrates. While corals themselves are colonial organisms with limited individual welfare significance, the animals they support are sentient and welfare-capable. Supporting coral restoration is therefore an animal welfare investment alongside its biodiversity and ecosystem service benefits.