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The governance of coral reefs is challenged by the proposed use of novel coral reef interventions. To address this challenge, we reviewed the literature on governance and policy frameworks for coral and marine restoration to identify recommendations around how to consider the challenges associated with novel reef interventions. Our goal was to understand governance approaches to coral reef and marine restoration and adaptation interventions in Australia and other countries to identify how they might be applied to novel reef interventions. Based on the literature reviewed, we identify three broad recommendations across governance, engagement and policy development for how to approach marine and coral reef interventions. However, our analysis suggests that the literature is yet to provide detailed information on how policy can address reef interventions, particularly given the acknowledgement that restoration and adaptation are needed to help rebuild ecosystem resilience in a changing climate. • Reviews approaches and recommendations to the governance of marine and coral reef restoration. • Explores the challenges and solutions of governing novel coral reef intervention activities in a changing climate. • Identifies three broad themes from the literature, discussing how they might be applied in practice to more effectively govern novel reef interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a global imperative to upscale restoration in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Upscaling of marine and coastal restoration is hindered by legal and governance barriers. Identifying both the types of barriers and potential solutions from global 'bright spots' is a first step toward implementing legal and governance frameworks to facilitate upscaling of marine and coastal restoration. Here we identify five types of barriers including (a) lack of fit-for-purpose permitting frameworks, (b) tenure issues, (c) concerns regarding risk and liability, (d) a lack of overarching targets for restoration, and (e) uncoordinated governance frameworks. For each barrier, we conduct a broad analysis of legal and governance solutions from across the world. Our analysis provides a guide for future research and law and governance reform. • Marine and coastal restoration has been hindered by legal and governance barriers. • Globally, there is evidence of legal and governance solutions to these barriers. • These solutions can be used to inform law and policy reform in other countries. • This can assist with the scaling up of restoration to meet Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems is essential to meet both national and global conservation targets and to counteract declines in coastal marine ecosystems. However, despite its status as a world leader in marine protection, Australia is lagging behind other countries in the implementation of coastal and marine restoration. Effective legislative frameworks that support the implementation of coastal and marine restoration as a management tool remains a key barrier to large-scale implementation of coastal and marine restoration in Australia and many other regions. We analyzed restoration projects and their policy frameworks in Australia, North America and Europe to identify the range of policy approaches for marine and coastal restoration. We then evaluated the legislative frameworks for coastal and marine restoration in two states in Australia (Queensland and New South Wales), to assess the current restoration permitting process and identify how different legislative and policy approaches could facilitate coastal and marine restoration projects. We identified two specific areas where improvements could be made to facilitate marine coastal restoration in Australia: increased transparency and better integration into coastal policy. Coastal and marine restoration in Australia is undertaken without appropriate and effective policy at the local, regional and national levels, which likely impedes its broader use as a management strategy. The policy and legislative changes and amendments outlined in this article can streamline the coastal and marine restoration process and thereby improve uptake of marine and coastal restoration in Australia. • Marine ecosystem restoration in Australia faces barriers because of inadequate and uncoordinated legislative frameworks. • Marine restoration could be better facilitated through increased transparency and integration into coastal planning policy. • Policy that supports the growing field of marine restoration for climate change mitigation will improve coastal resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]