Establishment of Southeast Asia’s First Coral Larvae Cryobank to Protect Threatened Reef Ecosystems
The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute has established Southeast Asia’s first coral larvae cryobank. This facility freezes coral larvae at ultra-low temperatures (-196°C) to preserve genetic diversity against threats like climate change, ocean warming, and pollution. The project is part of a regional initiative across the 'Coral Triangle,' which houses 76% of the world's coral species. Cryopreservation acts as a 'genetic insurance policy,' allowing scientists to revive and outplant corals to restore damaged reefs. This breakthrough method ensures genetic material can be stored for years and used to help restore reefs lost to bleaching.
Key Points
- The Coral Triangle is known as the 'Amazon of the seas,' covering 5.7 million sq. km across six countries.
- Coral reefs are highly vulnerable, with 70-90% predicted to be lost if global warming exceeds 1.5°C.
- Cryopreservation involves using vitrification to prevent ice crystal formation that would otherwise destroy the larvae.
- The initiative involves collaboration between the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- Reviving the samples involves using lasers to quickly thaw the larvae without re-crystallization.
Exam Facts
- Coral larvae are stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen.
- The Coral Triangle includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
- The planet lost 14% of its corals between 2009 and 2018 according to the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020 report.
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