Scientists make breakthrough in coral reef protection

Scientists in America have made a revolutionary breakthrough that will help save the third largest barrier reef in the world. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa has managed to reproduce ridged cactus coral. This is the first time ever in history that humans have successfully managed to do so.

The news was suitably shared by the Aquarium on Earth Day.

In 2014, coral reefs in Florida suffered a major disease outbreak that remains an issue today. This specific coral species was one of a few that were rescued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US national fisheries agency after the outbreak.

Scientists have worked hard to protect the adult coral colonies in order to create a favourable breeding environment. The success of reproduction means that scientists are optimistic of someday restoring the reefs when the disease is gone.

Through the reproduction process, scientists have gained, for the first time, information pertaining to the biology of this coral species. This includes vital information on when the coral have their babies and what their larvae look like.

Senior coral scientist at the Florida Aquarium, Keri O’Neil, spoke to CNN and said: ‘We are losing coral species faster than we can learn about them. This breakthrough is just really exciting; we’re still learning basic new things you’d think we’ve known for hundreds of years.’

‘It’s just people never worked with this species before and now that we have the opportunity to work with these corals in the lab, we’re going to find out so much more about them.’

Very little was known about the ridged cactus coral reproductive behaviour. Scientists at the aquarium managed to film this.

In the video below, the Florida Aquarium states that ‘the larvae could hold the genetic key to restoring our reefs’.

Have a look for the ‘birth’ video:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The Florida Aquarium has made history once again! This time becoming the first in the world to reproduce ridged cactus coral in human care. 🌵😮 Until now, the larval release time of this coral had never been recorded. These corals release fully developed larvae that swims immediately after release. This coral population has been severely affected in Florida Reefs due to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. #FloridaAquarium The Florida Aquarium is using this breakthrough research to grow and reproduce this coral to eventually restore the Florida Reef Tract! Visit our link in bio to join us in our mission to protect coral reefs with a donation today. 🐟 #ConservationNeverCloses These adult corals were rescued as part of the @Zoos_Aquariums Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project. Thanks to our partners: @MyFWC, @NOAAFisheries, @floridakeysfoundation. Research activities occurred within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and under permit.

A post shared by The Florida Aquarium (@floridaaquarium) on Apr 22, 2020 at 5:13am PDT

Image: Florida Aquarium/ screenshot from Instagram video

Related Posts

Cape Town’s sustainability: Leading the way in environmental initiatives

1 June 2023

As National Environmental Month commences in South Africa, Cape Town stands proudly at the forefront... read more

Kapama to host Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2023

1 June 2023

Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year... read more

Blood Lions relaunches for public viewing on YouTube

1 June 2023

Award-winning documentary feature film Blood Lions has been relaunched on YouTube for public viewing, creating... read more