Article Summary
- Global temperature rises in the ocean cause coral reefs to expel their symbiotic algae, which give them nourishment. Afterwards they bleach, starve and die
- 50% of global coral reefs have expired
- Conservationists from Mote and other institutions are planting out lab-grown and naturally genetically resistant/robust corals between remnants of remaining reefs. These grow, expand and will reproduce in order to carry their resilience genes to the next generation
- A microfragmentation technique allows even slow growing corals to reach maturity in a few months and has shown a transplantation survival rate of 80%
- Other strategies include protection of already resilient coral reefs, coral breeding, sustainable fishing as well as educating the tourism industry and local communities about coral conservation
Why Is This Important?
- Coral reef restoration is important since these natural resources provide food, tourism income and protection from ocean storms for million of coastal living people
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