Transforming Miami’s Reefs: Scientists Use Crossbred Corals to Combat Climate Change

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — A team from the University of Miami, the Florida Aquarium, and Tela Coral in Honduras is making strides in coral restoration. They are planting crossbred coral fragments on a reef near Miami. This reef was harmed by coral bleaching two years ago.

The aim? To find ways to help reefs deal with warmer ocean temperatures linked to climate change. Andrew Baker, a marine biology professor at the University of Miami, said recently, “It’s the end of a very long process,” as divers began the planting.

Over the past few years, the idea of introducing diverse Caribbean corals to Florida’s reefs has grown. Baker explained that climate change is a global issue. “If we try to have Florida’s reefs save themselves on their own, we could give them some outside help.”

Honduran Coral Benefits

The team chose to crossbreed corals from Honduras because they thrive in warmer waters—about 2°C (35.6°F) higher than Florida’s. “The Elkhorn corals there are really thriving, despite the warmer and nutrient-polluted waters,” Baker noted. This is important, as these conditions could reflect what Florida reefs will face in the future.

This project marks a significant milestone; it’s the first time international crossbreeding of corals has been approved for planting on wild reefs. Baker hopes the newly planted corals will be more resilient to heat stress, and the team will monitor their progress throughout the summer.

Why Elkhorn Corals Matter

Elkhorn corals are vital to Florida’s coral ecosystems. They act as a barrier, protecting shorelines from storms. Baker emphasized, “Healthy Elkhorn coral populations help absorb wave energy before it hits the coast.”

Unfortunately, these corals are in decline. Baker pointed out that Florida has lost over 95% of its Elkhorn corals due to warming seas and coral bleaching—a process where corals expel the colorful algae they rely on for nutrients, leaving them white and vulnerable.

Some of the coral fragments used in the planting program were nurtured at the Florida Aquarium. Keri O’Neil, who leads the aquarium’s Coral Conservation Program, shared that they hope to keep creating more crossbred corals in the future.

Planting the Corals

During the planting operation, small Elkhorn fragments were attached to concrete bases on the reef. Baker explained, “We’ve arranged them in a certain way to compare their performance.” The research will focus on how corals with Honduran genetics fare against those native to Florida.

Baker expressed that this is one of the most exciting projects he has undertaken in two decades at the University of Miami. If successful, it could pave the way for similar efforts across the Caribbean.

A Collaborative Effort

This initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation. Juli Berwald, co-founder of Tela Coral, noted, “Our environment doesn’t have closed borders. When we work together, we can create positive change—not just for corals but for the entire ecosystem.”

As this project unfolds, it provides hope for the future of coral reefs facing the challenges of climate change. Understanding and promoting genetic diversity in corals may become a key strategy for preserving these vital ecosystems.

For more information about coral restoration efforts, check out the latest research on coral adaptation and resilience.

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