A team of researchers from Nova Southeastern University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have successfully relocated around 300 endangered sea corals from South Florida to the Texas Gulf Coast for research and restoration purposes. The delicate corals were carefully packed with fresh seawater, oxygen, and placed in protective cases for transport to Texas.
NSU’s marine science research facility, acting as a coral reef nursery, will store and process the corals for restoration before transplanting them back into the ocean. The school has collaborated with other universities and organizations to share corals, ensuring the preservation of these important marine organisms.
The relocation was prompted by the widespread coral bleaching in 2023, which devastated corals in the Florida Keys. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi sought the help of NSU after losing access to corals for their research. The corals will be used to study the effects of sediment on coral health, create a bleaching guide for the Caribbean, and serve as a genetic bank representing various Staghorn coral colonies from South Florida’s reefs.
Corals play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, providing food, and serving as nurseries for marine organisms. With coral populations declining rapidly, researchers emphasize the importance of conserving these organisms for future generations. The collaborative efforts between NSU and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi aim to ensure the survival of these vital species in the face of environmental challenges.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcdfw.com
