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Coral Restoration for Breeding Species

Duration:2023 until now  Updated:2024/06/21

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According to the sixth assessment report (AR6) published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), restoration efforts and management approaches available for coral reefs, especially for the heat-resistant populations, are effective in sustaining some coral ecosystems beyond 1.5°C of warming. Since 2023, Delta has started our devotion to coral sexual reproduction and contributes to the research of heat-tolerant coral species cultivation. 

When the whole colonies of coral reefs simultaneously released sperm and eggs into the ocean last year, we observed the development of coral gonads and deployed water temperature and illumination monitoring devices underwater to monitor the local hydrological conditions. Under the instruction of the researchers from the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA), we helped mark corals that potentially released sperm and eggs and collected the gametes along with the fragments to conduct molecular identification, analysis of symbiotic algae clusters and artificial insemination. During the collection, the health status of corals and the number of released sperm and eggs were evaluated and recorded as well.

This coral breeding project aims to separate egg-sperm bundles and adopt cryopreservation technology to keep corals and their cells alive. We would further use different light intensities, coupled with the cultivation of different symbiotic algae clusters, to explore the growth rate of corals and the composition of the symbiotic algae community after fertilization. At present, we expect to complete the collection and incubation of 10 types of coral. Through the coral symbiosis and the breeding of heat-resilient coral, we are about to reinvigorate corals suffering from warming oceans.

Meanwhile, we have found that Pocillopora acuta near the water outlet of a nuclear power plant in Southern Taiwan has the ability to adapt to higher temperatures. To further explore its heat-resilient capability, we have been working with scientists to establish in-situ coral nurseries on armor blocks with 3D monitoring. Also, the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is adopted to cultivate cross-generational corals for Pocillopora acuta. The RAS, with precise control of environmental factors, including light, temperature, water flow, water quality, and biological symbiosis, has enabled a sustainable release of coral offspring. These corals achieved sexual maturity in merely 16 months, allowing for the reproduction of the second generation (F2).

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