Settling plates (also called settlement plates) are simple but powerful tools used in marine science to study how organisms colonize surfaces underwater. They serve as artificial substrates that mimic natural surfaces, allowing researchers to measure recruitment rates of benthic organisms such as corals, algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates.

Settling plates (also called settlement plates) are simple but powerful tools used in marine science to study how organisms colonize surfaces underwater. They serve as artificial substrates that mimic natural surfaces, allowing researchers to measure recruitment rates of benthic organisms such as corals, algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates.

Settling plates (also called settlement plates) are simple but powerful tools used in marine science to study how organisms colonize surfaces underwater. They serve as artificial substrates that mimic natural surfaces, allowing researchers to measure recruitment rates of benthic organisms such as corals, algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates.

Settling plates (also called settlement plates) are simple but powerful tools used in marine science to study how organisms colonize surfaces underwater. They serve as artificial substrates that mimic natural surfaces, allowing researchers to measure recruitment rates of benthic organisms such as corals, algae, barnacles, and other invertebrates.

A CCA tile refers to a settlement tile conditioned with crustose coralline algae, which are calcifying red algae that play a critical role in coral reef ecosystems. CCA tiles are used in coral reef restoration and monitoring projects to assess recruitment success and reef health, particularly in regions impacted by climate change and ocean acidification.