Photo by Alexa Elliott

REEF RESTORATION
Marine biologists and experts from around the world are developing new and innovative ways to restore coral reef habitats. In Florida, researchers use a special waterproof epoxy to attach and transplant new or broken pieces of coral to areas where these animals once flourished. To preserve this natural resource for future generations, scientists in the Florida Keys have also created the state’s first hard coral gene bank.

To protect corals, boaters should avoid trolling for fish above reefs, anchor on mooring buoys or in sandy areas, and use updated nautical charts. From above the water, coral reefs appear brown. Boaters should steer clear of these sites and remember this, “Brown, brown, run aground; blue, blue sail on through.” Underwater, fishermen and divers must use special caution and avoid touching live coral. Tourists and residents can also do their part by disposing of trash, debris and harmful chemicals (anti-freeze, motor oil and household cleaners) in appropriate garbage containers or recycling facilities. It is against the law to collect, harvest or sell stony coral that comes from state or federal waters, unless granted special permission.

SPAWNTANEOUS NIGHTS
People shouting with excitement, fish darting everywhere, beams of light glistening and ball-shaped confetti floating all around; it’s not Fantasy Fest, it’s a mass coral spawning! In Florida, this awe-inspiring event occurs shortly after sunset and is triggered by the phases of the moon. All at once, groups of coral release tiny, gum-colored packets of sperm and eggs into the water column where fertilization takes place. Eventually, the plunula or larvae settles on the ocean floor where it will begin to form a new reef. Because Florida’s reefs are under great stress, scientists collect coral gametes, or reproductive cells, in hopes that they will be able to replicate in the lab, what nature has done for millions of years in the wild.

BATTLE OF THE BACTERIA
To survive, corals maintain a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (pronounced zoe-zan-thel-ee), a marine algae. However, scientists believe a third element, bacteria, may hold the key to keeping corals healthy. Research indicates that a coral’s mucus or slime may contain bacteria that act as a “primitive immune system.” When the balance of bacterial groups, such as Vibrios and Pseudomonads, is disrupted, corals become susceptible to disease and bleaching events. By identifying which bacteria can protect corals scientists hope to save and revive infected species.

Resources for this article have been provided by the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative, WIkipedia and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.