Different coral nursery projects require different functionality. I've designed several array systems to accommodate different requirements, from experimental arrays, that generally require greater accessibility to individual fragments, to restoration nurseries, where mounting materials and explanting considerations are taken into account.

Based on project objectives and desired functionality, I customize the design of each nursery system to best accommodate these needs. I've designed and utilized several functional array systems for both coral restoration projects, and both short and long-term field experiments. Depending on the location and substrate, I've developed a set of anchoring systems and hardware that have proven their functionality in the field over time.

The most challenging coral nurseries to install are generally those required to be located on the fore-reef. The substrate is usually hard limestone, which requires the drilling and epoxying of stainless eyebolts. On some eastern Pacific reefs, the corals grow on top of extremely hard sandstone, which requires a different type of drilling rig to anchor the arrays. I've experience installing arrays in numerous types of substrates and reef habitats.

Whenever possible, I prefer to establish a coral nursery on a soft-bottom substrate. Seagrass meadows, often found in the lagoon area behind the reef, sometimes provide the ideal location for a coral nursery. I've modified an anchoring system, from one used in the arboriculture industry, that's proven to work well in these environments.

I've over 30 years of propagating corals, in both aquariums and in the field. As a coral research scientist and advanced aquarist, I have an in-depth understanding of the biological and physiological requirements of the corals, how to sample and properly handling them and how to facilitate the successful growth and longevity of different species selected for a coral nursery or experimental array system.