Active intervention is now considered fundamental to support coral reefs as they continue to experience rapid environmental change. A range of interventions are being trialled and implemented that typically have a common goal of increasing coral resilience. Microbial-based therapies have been proposed as an innovative way to support coral fitness and mitigate anthropogenic impacts. In this chapter we explore the risks, caveats, and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of microbial-based therapies. As coral reefs are socio-ecological systems, we consider these points from both an ecological and societal perspective. We propose using a rights-based approach (RBA) to aid decision-making on the suitability of restoration practices and their associated risks and benefits. Specifically, we introduce the LAPNE framework which considers Legality, Accountability, Participation, Non-discrimination and equality, and Empowerment, and we demonstrate its application to microbial-based therapies. We conclude by summarising how an RBA could broadly benefit all restoration practices by providing a framework to ground human-rights and international obligations as well as providing a legal framework for unified decision making.