coral
Newsletter
Scientists find IVF coral better survives marine heatwaves than older coral colonies
Young corals bred with in vitro fertilization and planted on reefs in the Caribbean have shown a remarkable ability to survive record heatwaves, outperforming older, natural coral colonies.
In short:
- A study found that 90% of IVF-bred corals remained healthy during a Caribbean heatwave, while only 25% of older corals survived.
- IVF coral uses increased genetic diversity to adapt better to rising temperatures compared to traditional cloning methods.
- Researchers emphasize the need for climate action, as frequent heatwaves threaten long-term coral survival.
Key quote:
“We need to address the underlying causes of global climate change. But I think it’s important that we’re supplementing coral populations in the meantime, because it might be able to buy us some time.”
— Dr. Margaret Miller, research director, Secore International
Why this matters:
Coral reefs support marine biodiversity and protect coastlines. As climate change intensifies, techniques like coral IVF may help sustain these ecosystems in the short term, but global warming must be addressed for long-term success.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Sandy Ravaloniaina/Unsplash
Coral reefs that protect Caribbean islands from hurricanes are rapidly declining
Hurricane Beryl, which hit the Caribbean as a Category 4 storm, highlights the crucial role of coral reefs in mitigating storm damage, but these vital ecosystems are disappearing.
In short:
- Coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing wave energy and preventing flooding in Caribbean nations.
- The area of live corals has decreased by 80% in recent decades due to climate change and human activities.
- Without reefs, the flood risk in the Caribbean and the U.S. would increase significantly, endangering thousands more people.
Key quote:
"Without reefs, annual damages would more than double."
— Authors of the 2018 study "The global flood protection savings provided by coral reefs."
Why this matters:
Coral reefs provide essential protection against hurricanes, but their decline due to climate change weakens this natural defense. Rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and human activities are causing unprecedented rates of coral bleaching and degradation. As these reefs disappear, so too does their ability to protect coastal communities from the ravages of hurricanes.
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Credit: Graphic Node/Unsplash
Strategies evolve as ocean heat threatens coral survival in Florida
As rising ocean temperatures continue to stress coral reefs in Florida, conservationists are adopting new strategies to enhance coral resilience.
Amudalat Ajasa, Whitney Leaming, and Carolyn Van Houten report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Conservationists, facing prolonged marine heat waves, are prioritizing the restoration of heat-resistant coral species.
- Innovative techniques, including relocating nurseries to cooler waters, are being tested to combat the escalating coral bleaching.
- Last year’s extensive coral bleaching has spurred a reevaluation of coral restoration tactics amid fears of recurring heat extremes.
Key quote:
"Returning these corals felt a bit like a loved one leaving the hospital."
— Sam Burrell, senior reef restoration associate at the Coral Restoration Foundation
Why this matters:
Marine heat waves, no longer just occasional natural phenomena but increasingly common events, pose a severe risk to the biodiversity of our oceans. The response from those on the frontlines has been to focus their efforts on restoring species of coral that possess a remarkable trait: heat resistance. These hardier breeds offer a glimmer of hope, a potential bulwark against the rising temperatures. The success of these conservation strategies could dictate the future health of marine life and the communities that depend on them.
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Credit: Manny Moreno/Unsplash
Reef faces unprecedented bleaching depth and damage
Marine biologist reports the worst Great Barrier Reef bleaching seen in decades.
In short:
- More than half of the surveyed reefs show high or severe levels of bleaching.
- Dr. Selina Ward notes unusual temperature uniformity down to 20 meters, intensifying coral stress.
- Calls for immediate greenhouse gas reductions underscore the urgency of the situation.
Key quote:
“We cannot expect to save the Great Barrier Reef and be opening new fossil fuel developments. It’s time to act and there are no more excuses.”
— Dr Selina Ward, marine biologist
Why this matters:
Corals, crucial building blocks of the Great Barrier Reef, rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae for nutrients and vibrant color. However, when stressed by warmer waters, corals expel these algae, leaving them pale and vulnerable. Bleaching events have become more frequent and severe in recent years, devastating large swaths of the reef.
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Credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen/Unsplash
Caribbean corals suffer extensive bleaching from unprecedented heat
Corals in the Caribbean struggle to recover months after a severe marine heatwave caused widespread bleaching and death, posing a threat to the region's biodiversity.
In short:
- During the record-breaking summer heat of 2023, the Caribbean corals experienced severe bleaching due to prolonged and intense marine heatwaves.
- Some corals are beginning to show signs of recovery, with patches of color returning, yet many remain bleached, indicating ongoing stress and potential long-term damage.
- Despite significant losses, certain areas like Mexico’s Limones Reef and parts of The Bahamas reported higher survival rates, suggesting localized factors or coral resilience.
Key quote:
"There are some corals that have energy and are resistant. We need to keep working for them."
— Valeria Pizarro, marine biologist at the Perry Institute for Marine Science
Why this matters:
Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat, breeding, and nursery grounds for numerous marine species. The loss of coral through bleaching can lead to declines in reef fish populations, changes in species composition, and the loss of biodiversity. This disrupts the balance of the marine ecosystem, affecting predator-prey relationships and the health of the reef system as a whole.
As warming waters and acidification threaten corals around the world, scientists are gathering clues to save the charismatic colonies and bolster biodiversity.
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‘Literally off the charts’: Global coral reef heat stress monitor forced to add new alerts as temperatures rise
The world’s main system for warning about heat stress on the planet’s coral reefs has been forced to add three new alert categories to represent ever-increasing temperature extremes.
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Florida’s coral reef is in crisis. These crabs can help
With giant pincers and rough, spider-like legs, Caribbean king crabs don’t look like your typical heroes. Yet these crustaceans may be key to solving one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems: the decline of coral reefs.
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