MAY 15, 2015--On May 9, 2015, NOAA and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, which are working on the restoration of natural resources injured by the T/V Margara vessel grounding , released a Final Primary Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment.

The plan identifies the primary restoration project selected to complete the on-site restoration needed for recovery of the coral resources, other reef biota, and habitat significantly injured by the grounding. The selected primary restoration project involves the placement of limestone and/or large boulders on top of the rubble, followed by active transplantation of corals on the substrates. The proposed plan will stabilize the rubble, return topographic complexity to the site, and accelerate the biological recovery of the injured species. This restoration project will be accomplished in two phases. Upon completion, the site will be monitored at scheduled intervals for 10 years to ensure the structural stability of the restoration features, the survival and stability of the transplanted corals, to document recovery is occurring, and to identify corrective actions, if needed. For more information, contact Sean.Griffin@noaa.gov, and read two OR&R blog posts exploring how NOAA assesses harm to corals after ship groundings like the Margara and uses coral nurseries to regrow or replace corals during restoration. Go back to OR&R Weekly Report.