Scientist to freeze, cryogenically preserve Great Barrier Reef corals

By on Jan 30, 2012

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmmiji

Cryogenics and coral banks are nothing new but as one of the largest and most famous reefs in the world, Australian scientists are exploring using cryogenics to preserve corals from the Great Barrier Reef. We’ve previously seen the University of Hawaii and the Zoological Society of London start similar coral banks and we are hoping to see the Australian coral bank find success before it would need to be used.  By taking and freezing eggs and sperm from the coral, the research teams can then fertilize and regrow the coral in the lab. As some scientists predict the GBR not surviving past 2050 with the drastic effects global warming and human interference are causing on the reefs. The research teams are hoping to not only have species preserved in case of an emergency, but to create stronger, more resilient coral as well.

Posted in Coral |
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  • Shaun Monahan

    Great video. If the scientific community is looking for (reef building) corals that will tolerate greater temperatures and fluctuations, look no further than our captive reef aquariums and the corals contained within them. There are many corals being traded nowadays that have been captive for well over a decade. These corals are tough and easily tolerate many changes (lighting, SG, pH, temp, Alk…) from one aquarium’s conditions to another- repeatedly, as they are propagated and traded. Here’s a perfect opportunity for scientists and hobbyists to link up to save what we all cherish…

  • Justin Farabaugh

    well said