What was once a thriving ecosystem full of life and color now lay barren. Since January 1st, 2023, nearly 80% of coral reefs in 83 countries have felt the effects of coral bleaching event (NOAA) leaving the crucial ecosystem devastated. However, some scientists have decided to fight back against the ever-growing threats facing reefs today. Using new techniques to cross breed genetically superior strain of Elkhorn coral (Acropora Palmata), scientists believe they can give back life to a once decimated ecosystem.
Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) out planted in Dry Tortugas National Park, used to monitor growth of Elkhorn coral in a reef environment. U.S. Geological Survey
Elkhorn coral is a large, branching stony coral that often grows in dense clusters, commonly referred to as “thickets”. Because of its size and complex structure, this species serves as a crucial building block for the coral reef ecosystems, creating habitats that shelter countless marine organisms ranging from small invertebrates to commercially valuable fish species (NOAA). These reefs not only support biodiversity, but also act as natural breakwaters, protecting coastlines from the destructive force of waves, storm surges, and erosion. Furthermore, human communities are directly affected by reefs: tourism, fishing and aquaculture are at risk of collapse which poses a threat to economic stability for countless people who depend on healthy coral reefs. One of the most prominent threats facing reefs is: coral bleaching. Bleaching occurs when environmental stress such as high-water temperature and nutrient pollutants causes the coral to expel the symbiotic algae that helps them carry out life functions. Without these algae, coral loses its color and, more importantly, a vital source of food and disease protection.
Assisted evolution is a category of scientific approaches designed to accelerate natural evolutionary processes in a species (AIMs). In the Florida Keys this has been utilized by researchers at the Florida Aquarium, University of Miami, and the Honduras based organization Tela Marine. Researchers such as Keri O’Neil (Leader of the coral restoration program at the Florida Aquarium) have successfully crossbred Elkhorn coral from Tela Honduras and the Florida Keys. The Honduran population is naturally more heat tolerant and able to withstand waters nearly 2 degrees Celsius warmer than Florida’s native Elkhorn. This gives this new species of hybrid coral the capabilities to survive bleaching events. For the first time, permission was granted to introduce this international hybrid coral into the environment. Normally, releasing non-native organisms into an environment is discouraged; but given the urgent threats facing coral reefs, researchers see this as a necessary step. Additionally, the experiment is still on going and researchers at the Florida Aquarium, University of Miami, continue to monitor the growth rate, resistance, and thermal adaptability throughout the summer temperatures (Noticias Ambientales).
Coral Reefs are in danger, the serious threats facing them today range from direct human actions to environmental. The biggest threat, however, comes from warming water. Rising sea temperatures have devastated reefs, with nearly 80% experiencing a bleaching event. To combat this scientist are crossbreeding Elkhorn coral from Honduras and Florida Keys, creating hybrids with greater heat tolerance than native corals. These resilient strains offer a beacon of hope, helping reef ecosystem survive and recover in a warming world.
Featured Image: Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) out planted in Dry Tortugas National Park, used to monitor coral growth in a wild environment.