With many reefs around the world believed to be threatened, the finding shows that as long as corals can survive in the water, humans can rebuild reefs that are damaged.

Credits: envato elements;

The study was conducted at the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Program in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, one of the largest restoration projects in the world, and included an international team of marine biologists. The site was turned from a colourful reef to rubble 30 to 40 years ago from dynamite fishing.