“Unlocking the Mystery of Resilient Coral: Scientists Hope to Save Florida’s Reefs with Crossbreeding”

University of Miami Scientists Work to Save Florida’s Coral Reefs by Breeding Resilient Offspring

MIAMI — Off the northern coast of Honduras, researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School have discovered a thriving population of endangered elkhorn coral that has defied the odds in the face of warming oceans caused by climate change. These healthy colonies of cocoa-brown coral are flourishing in waters near the small colonial town of Tela, with more than three times the amount of live coral compared to other areas across the Caribbean.

Led by coral biologist Andrew Baker, the team aims to unlock the secret behind the resilience of these coral populations and crossbreed them with Florida elkhorn coral to create more resilient offspring. This initiative comes as Florida’s coral reefs are facing significant challenges due to rising ocean temperatures and disease, with the reef tract shrinking faster than it is growing.

The oceans absorb more than 90% of the additional heat trapped by greenhouse gases, leading to devastating impacts on coral reefs worldwide. Last year, a global bleaching event occurred due to record heat, marking the second event in a decade. In Florida, coral bleaching has become a common occurrence, with rising water temperatures causing coral to expel their life-sustaining algae and turn ghostly white.

In an effort to save Florida’s reefs, Baker and his team traveled to Honduras to collect coral specimens that could serve as potential parents for breeding more resilient offspring. The researchers carefully packed the coral in coolers and transported them back to Miami aboard a cargo flight. Upon arrival, the coral were acclimated to their new environment in tanks outside Baker’s lab alongside Biscayne Bay.

The process of bringing coral into the U.S. for breeding purposes is a first, and it has raised concerns about mixing genetics. However, the urgency of the situation outweighs these concerns, as elkhorn coral populations in Florida have nearly disappeared, with the remaining coral suffering from the impacts of climate change.

Baker hopes to have the coral spawn in July or August, crossbreed them, and have babies growing while working through the permitting process to plant them on Florida’s reef. By fast-tracking this evolutionary process, Baker aims to ensure that there will be something left to save by the time the larger problem of climate change is addressed.

The research conducted by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School represents a critical step in the effort to save Florida’s coral reefs and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.