Well, if we are assuming that animal collection is the largest stressor on coral reef populations, then sure; reef restoration efforts are great. However, the largest impact on wild reefs would have to be indirect human influence from pollution, developing coastlines leading to huge silt increases, logging leading to more silt again, and commercial fishing and shrimping which drags nets along the bottom.
In theory, restoration is great, but you have to look more at the cause of the original destruction, and it is rarely from collection. Maybe 15% collection, and 85% other influences. Reefs tend to re-seed themselves naturally in about 5 years or so. This is based on settlement rates on lava flows and other complete wipe-out scenarios. However, reefs will not reseed when their reproduction is blocked by pesticides and water-born pollutants.
Having said THAT, I personally hope to see more clean-up on the human influence end of things and to see more reseeding efforts.
Josh