Scientists use artificial method to breed coral in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and is made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. The Reef is currently under threat due to coral 'bleaching' and extreme climatic change.
The effect of climate change and rising sea temperature has drawn international focus on the Great Barrier Reef.
In a project lead by professor Peter Harrison of Southern Cross University in New South Wales, scientists have managed to artificially breed baby coral from larvae on damaged strips of Australian Great Barrier Reef.
The coral eggs and sperm off the reef's Heron Island are collected before allowing them to reproduce and grow in tanks.
The research carried out by these scientists is not only beneficial to the Great Barrier Reef but is applicable globally.
The results have been positive since a million larvae were produced last November, then developed, with more than 100 surviving and growing successfully on settlement tiles on the reef.
"The results are very promising and our work shows that adding higher densities of coral larvae leads to higher numbers of successful coral recruits. It may be one of the answers to some of the problems in the Great Barrier Reef. It's a glimmer of hope," said Professor Harrison as reported by the Australian media.
Various methods for artificial production are being considered by the Australian government in order to increase the production.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and is made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. The Reef is currently under threat due to coral 'bleaching' and extreme climatic change.
UNESCO has shown serious concern and has urged the Australian government to improve water quality.
According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation managing director Anna Marsden, "There is much more to be done, but this is definitely a great leap forward for the reef, and for the restoration and repair of reefs worldwide. It's time to be bold and take some calculated risks because that's the way we'll make a change in how we can help restore our coral reefs."
The effect of climate change and rising sea temperature has drawn international focus on the Great Barrier Reef.
In a project lead by professor Peter Harrison of Southern Cross University in New South Wales, scientists have managed to artificially breed baby coral from larvae on damaged strips of Australian Great Barrier Reef.
The coral eggs and sperm off the reef's Heron Island are collected before allowing them to reproduce and grow in tanks.
The results have been positive since a million larvae were produced last November, then developed, with more than 100 surviving and growing successfully on settlement tiles on the reef.
"The results are very promising and our work shows that adding higher densities of coral larvae leads to higher numbers of successful coral recruits. It may be one of the answers to some of the problems in the Great Barrier Reef. It's a glimmer of hope," said Professor Harrison as reported by the Australian media.
Various methods for artificial production are being considered by the Australian government in order to increase the production.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system and is made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. The Reef is currently under threat due to coral 'bleaching' and extreme climatic change.
UNESCO has shown serious concern and has urged the Australian government to improve water quality.
According to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation managing director Anna Marsden, "There is much more to be done, but this is definitely a great leap forward for the reef, and for the restoration and repair of reefs worldwide. It's time to be bold and take some calculated risks because that's the way we'll make a change in how we can help restore our coral reefs."
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