Scientists Breed Corals to Save Reefs

MIAMI - In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists in South Florida have taken corals from Honduras to breed with local Floridian corals, aiming to enhance their reproductive success. Andrew Baker, a marine biology and ecology professor at the University of Miami, emphasized the importance of these corals, stating that their structures play a crucial role in protecting Florida's coastlines from storm damage. The urgency of this project has been underscored by the severe bleaching event that affected Florida's iconic elkhorn corals last summer, leading to significant mortality rates. Baker highlighted the critical need to prevent the extinction of this species, which is vital for the region's marine ecosystem. The breeding process has proven challenging, but the team has successfully produced offspring, with some already housed at the Florida aquarium. Recently, these young corals spawned, marking a promising development in the breeding efforts. The scientists are optimistic about the future, planning to plant these small coral babies back into the ocean early next year, pending the necessary permissions. This initiative represents a significant step for Florida, as it seeks to bolster coral populations by incorporating genetic material from outside the state. As the project progresses, the hope is that these newly bred corals will contribute to the restoration of the damaged reef ecosystems, ultimately enhancing the resilience of Florida's coastal environments against climate change and other environmental threats.