Scientists transplant crossbred corals to restore Miami's reefs

In an effort to restore the coral reefs of Florida, a team of scientists from the University of Miami has been actively participating in the transplantation of crossbred coral fragments. The initiative took place off Miami's coastline, where the coral population had faced devastating losses due to bleaching events that occurred two years prior. Andrew Baker, the director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab and a professor of marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School, expressed that the project is a culmination of extensive research and planning aimed at enhancing the genetic biodiversity of the local coral ecosystems. The scientists collaborated with the Florida Aquarium and Tela Coral from Honduras to source coral fragments, specifically focusing on species that exhibit high thermal tolerance, like the Elkhorn corals. These selected corals were found thriving in warmer waters in Honduras, which mirrors the climate conditions Florida is predicted to experience in the coming century. This transplantation aims not only to bolster the coral populations but also to study how the hybrid corals, with genetic contributions from different regions, can improve the resilience of Florida's reefs against the broader threats posed by climate change. Baker noted that the traditional approach of relying solely on local coral populations to adapt to changing conditions could be insufficient; hence, introducing corals from other Caribbean locations is a proactive strategy. He explained that the loss of Elkhorn corals, which form a critical part of the reef ecosystem, has been staggering, with estimates suggesting a decline of over 95% due to factors such as rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching events. As the team of scientists continues to monitor the performance of the newly transplanted corals, they will analyze the interactions between the newly introduced species and the native corals to assess their adaptability and survivability. Ongoing research aims to uncover which combinations of coral parentage yield the most promising offspring. Ultimately, the project exemplifies a collaborative effort to not only save corals but also ensure the health and functionality of the entire reef system, illustrating the potential impact of human intervention in mitigating environmental decline.