5 Considerations for Coral Conservation

​Almost ideal conditions are required for coral to thrive, allowing for very little change in any environmental factors. Considering this fact, isn’t it fascinating that coral species have survived an estimated 250 million years? Their resiliency is in part due to their ability to reproduce and regenerate.

Yet, we would be remiss to assume that corals are invincible. What has allowed coral and coral reefs to survive for millions of years is their incredible ability to adapt and mutate in ways that best aid in species survival.

1. Coral has an amazing ability to survive through adaptation.

For millions of years, coral has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to climate and environmental changes or stressors. One striking example is how certain fluorescent species have, in recent times, developed the ability to protect their zooxanthellae (algae critical to coral survival) from harmful UV rays as they can transform harmful light wavelengths to usable. Nonetheless, scientists are finding coral dying at a frightening rate.

2. Will coral be able to adapt to threats on their food?

The zooxanthellae, on which coral rely as an energy source, is very sensitive to changes in light and temperature, factors that are significantly affected by climate change and ocean temperatures. When temperatures rise, algae begin to overwhelm or provide too many nutrients to the coral. The stressed coral then expels the algae, a process called bleaching, since algae is what gives coral it’s color. If conditions continue the coral will starve and eventually die.

3. Will coral be able to adapt to the increased rate of ocean acidification?

Our oceans play a crucial role in balancing the earth’s carbon levels and do this by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. Increased levels of CO2 in the air have led to increased CO2 being absorbed by the oceans. When this gas reacts with the seawater the carbonic acid by-product makes the water more acidic. The resulting chain reaction affects the ability of coral to thicken the skeletal structures making it significantly more vulnerable to disease and destruction.

4. Will coral be able to adapt faster than the human impact?

The question today is will coral’s ability to adapt and regenerate be able to out-run our harmful effects? We are learning more each year about how our decisions and behaviors contribute to the accelerated rate of climate change which naturally increases the rate at which coral dies. Activities like eco-tourism and aquatic recreation, over-fishing or destructive fishing practices, over-development of coastal regions, and of course marine pollutions have also had negative impacts on coral.

5. There is hope for coral.

The promising note is that there are many individuals studying these amazing creatures and finding ways to positively impact the future survival of coral reefs. The Virginia Aquarium is a silver partner with Project SECORE, an international organization focusing on the restoration and protection of coral reefs around the world.

Projects include collecting and growing threatened species in human care until strong enough to survive in the ocean, repopulating areas free of disease with coral babies (settlers), and even making strides at developing species to be more resilient to the current stressors. Scientists around the globe are collaborating to find solutions.