Nature Today | Innovative Coral Reef Restoration with Coral Hatchery Lab

His presentation explored the complexities of both. the brothers like Broadcasting Generatorshighlighting different reproductive strategies and their implications for recovery efforts.

Dr. Jimmy Craggs of the Coral Hatchery Laboratory explained that about 15 percent of hard coral species the brothers which undergo internal fertilization and produce larger but fewer larvae (planula). These corals can produce asexual flats and are relatively easy to manage in aquariums. On the other hand, 85 percent of hard coral species Broadcast GeneratorsWhich require reproductive material from different sexes. These corals rely on external fertilization, which is often caused by lunar cycles, resulting in synchronized spawning events.

Innovative technologies and results

Much of Craggs’ presentation focused on experimental methods for stimulating egg laying in captivity, starting with the original goal in 2012 of Acropora To spawn. By manipulating environmental factors such as light, lunar cycles, solar radiation, and seasonal temperature changes, researchers have succeeded in inducing multiple spawning events each year. These controlled conditions allow for intensive observations and have paved the way for advanced research and selective breeding programs.

Germ cell collection and hybridization

The presentation also covered different methods for collecting germ cells, both in tanks and in isolation. Each method has its advantages and challenges, but the ability to perform conjugal crosses in isolated environments has opened up new avenues for selective breeding, with a focus on traits such as thermoplasticity. This has led to successful crosses, and improved genetic diversity and resilience of coral populations.

In addition, another pioneering concept has been introduced, which is to phase-shift the spawning season, allowing multiple spawning events each year. This technique has greatly increased the availability of germ cells for restoration projects. The goal is to produce and grow corals on an industrial scale to meet the demands of restoration and research.

Live Biobanks and Preservation

Craggs highlighted the importance of living biobanks in conserving the world’s most endangered coral species. These biobanks serve as repositories of genetic material and provide a critical backup to prevent species from becoming extinct.

Common culture of coral and sea urchins

In his second presentation, Craggs described the benefits of co-propagating corals with sea urchins, with a particular focus on the spherical sea urchin species (spherical mispelia) and rocky coral Acropora milleporaThis research shows that growing these organisms together can significantly increase the survival rates of corals after colonization. New research highlights the impact of benthic competition on coral survival and identifies the benefits of using sea urchins as microscopic herbivores to control the growth of algae and cyanobacteria. The study tested different grazing densities and found that higher sea urchin densities improved coral survival and growth rates.

Heterogeneous feeding and thermal elasticity

Craggs also stressed the importance of heterotrophic feeding in coral aquaculture. His findings suggest that feeding corals specific diets not only improves their post-colonial growth but also increases their thermal resilience, a critical factor in combating the effects of climate change on coral reefs.

Ramifications

The DCNA Reef Restoration Workshop was a major event showcasing collaborative efforts and innovative strategies for coral reef restoration. Presentations by Jamie Craggs on coral spawning in closed system aquariums and co-propagation with sea urchins highlighted the potential of these techniques to improve recovery measures. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the workshop paved the way for future progress in protecting our coral reefs.

more information

• Watch his talk about it Coral spawning in closed system aquariums.
• You can also read his presentation on this topic. Common culture of coral and sea urchins To look at.
• Or one view interview With Dutch Caribbean Television.
• This workshop was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and supported by the National Postcode Lottery. Craggs participated in the workshop sponsored by Bledorp Zoo.
• Stay tuned for more articles in this series on coral reef restoration, as we delve deeper into the topics discussed during the workshop, focusing on the critical work being done to conserve these vital marine ecosystems.

text: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
Images: Arno Verhoeven (main image: Dr. Jamie Craggs from the Coral Hatchery Lab); William Warby