When discussing general terms, the theory of assisted migration or species relocation is a very controversial one that poses questions for those in favor and against. However, the decision made on whether to relocate a species or keep them in their natural habitat under changing climate conditions is a critical one based on the species at hand. More so, before deciding whether or not to relocate a species, their phenological, life history, and adaptive characteristics are important to asses. The method of assisted migration conservation, however, brings about it a fair share of controversy and concern. Reasons such as introducing an invasive species to a non-native area, negatively altering the ecosystem factors provided by the area, and changing already determined species relationships, are why some scientists reject the idea of relocation. However, …show more content…
This marine species, being easily subjected to coral bleaching and disease due to ocean temperature rise, allows for the species to be an ideal test subject of whether to relocate or not. A specific case study done through the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, was assessing whether the staghorn coral population could be restored by means of relocating the colonies about 100 miles off of their original Florida reef location. The results allowed Bradley Bliss to analyze that the staghorn coral species, greatly benefited from relocating the colony, as they experience phenological plasticity. The idea of phenological plasticity allows the staghorn coral to adapt its structure and functionality to whatever environmental conditions it is conditioned towards. Thus, researcher Bradley Bliss concluded that, the coral experienced increased colony growth and further strengthening due to favorable environmental conditions of the relocation