Advance of indicator system for the evaluation of coral reef restoration effectiveness

Coral reefs have recently experienced a significant decline worldwide due to anthropogenic influences and climate change and coral reef ecosystems are facing serious threats. Coral reef restoration is one of the most effective and fundamental measures. It not only restores the function of coral reef ecosystems, but also provides corresponding social, cultural and economic benefits and service value. Although a large number of coral restoration is performed in Hainan, Xisha and Guangxi in China in recent 10 years, there is still not a complete technical system for evaluating the effectiveness of coral reef ecosystem restoration. Based on the literature review, we outline 12 indicators involving coral reef ecosystem, socio-culture, economy and governance, and constructed a set of indicator system suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of coral reef ecological restoration, so as to guide the coral reef restoration work and protect coral reef resources of China.