These data describe the density of Turbinaria ornata stipes from experimentally manipulated 1 m X 1 m plots on the forereef and naturally occurring 1 m X 1 m patches on the fringing reefs. In this pilot experiment Turbinaria were transplanted from the fringing reef to the forereef at 10 m depth to test whether it persists upon establishment. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. OCE 16-37396 (and earlier awards) as well as a generous gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Research was completed under permits issued by the French Polynesian Government (Délégation à la Recherche) and the Haut-commissariat de la République en Polynésie Francaise (DTRT) (Protocole d'Accueil 2005-2018). This work represents a contribution of the Moorea Coral Reef (MCR) LTER Site.