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The world´s first Living Coral Biobank
Apr . 20 / 2022

A major innovative research and conservation initiative is taking place in Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia, right next to the Great Barrier Reef.

This huge project is the vision of a group of people and organizations that aim to collect live specimens of all species of coral in the world and preserve them in a living coral ark, leaving a true legacy for future generations.

This legacy will be a living repository of fragments, tissue samples and genetic materials that will help reef research and all the work involved in its recovery.

Each species of coral that will belong to this "ark" is identified in situ by Dr.Charlie Veron, the "godfahter" of stony coral. The genetic biodiversity of the 400 species of corals of the Great Barrier Reef and hundreds of others from all over the world will be preserved. After collected, the coral frag will be placed in a frag plug specially built with an RFID chip that will provide complete information, such as the location of that frag colony and other relevant information.

To provide additional backups of the living fragments, the project will leverage the world's public and private aquariums, thus creating the largest collaborative living coral preservation network, protecting these species forever.

Why do we need a biobank?

“With every coral bleaching event, we are losing the most vulnerable corals and coral reefs - with three mass bleaching events in just five years on the Great Barrier Reef, and over 50% of corals gone in the last few decades, we don’t have a moment to lose” Dr Dean Miller, Managing Director of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, and project Director.

How can I help?

Everyone can be part of this exciting project. From adopting a coral fragment to sponsoring a holding tank or even coming out on a collecting expedition!

Special thanks to reefbuilders for bringing this news to light https://reefbuilders.com/2022/04/19/living-coral-biobank-project/

https://coralbiobank.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXsKEs19Jzs

Photos Credits: Great Barrier Reef Legacy Facebook

Article Source: Reef Builders