‘Super corals’ and supplements: Inside the lab trying to save the Great Barrier Reef – CNN

Report on the Conservation Efforts for the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Reefs Worldwide

Introduction

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure on Earth and a habitat for diverse marine species, has experienced significant environmental challenges. Recent years have seen a series of devastating mass coral bleaching events, turning vibrant reef colors to bright white. This phenomenon is part of a global crisis affecting over 80% of the world’s coral reefs due to record-high marine temperatures since 2023.

Impact of Coral Bleaching

• Coral reefs occupy only 0.01% of the ocean floor but support 25% of all marine life.
• They provide essential food and livelihoods to human populations.
• Reefs play a critical role in reducing storm surges and protecting coastal areas from erosion.

The ongoing bleaching events threaten these vital ecosystem services, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable interventions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Global and Regional Commitments

1. At the UN Ocean Conference, 11 countries pledged to protect climate-resilient coral reefs.
2. Governments and partners committed over $25 million to a global fund dedicated to coral reef conservation.

These initiatives support SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering international collaboration to address environmental challenges.

Scientific Innovations: Searching for Super Corals

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney’s Future Reefs team are identifying “super corals” that naturally withstand environmental stressors such as high temperatures, acidity, and low oxygen levels. The objectives include:

• Identifying resilient coral species.
• Understanding survival mechanisms.
• Applying findings to support coral populations in harsher future environments.

This research contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting scientific advancement and ecosystem preservation.

Coral Nurture Program and Restoration Efforts

The Coral Nurture Program, co-founded by Dr. Emma Camp, collaborates with local tourism operators and indigenous communities to propagate and outplant resilient corals across the Great Barrier Reef. Key achievements include:

• Outplanting over 125,000 corals since 2018 with an 85% survival rate.
• Establishing coral nurseries at multiple reef locations.
• Engaging community stakeholders to scale restoration efforts.

These efforts align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by integrating community involvement and sustainable tourism.

Challenges and Scaling Up Restoration

The vast size of the Great Barrier Reef, with nearly 3,000 reefs covering 344,400 square kilometers, presents significant restoration challenges. Approximately 60% of reefs have been exposed to bleaching as of April 2024. To address labor-intensive and costly restoration processes, the program:

• Engages tourism operators to incorporate coral outplanting into snorkeling tours.
• Trains divers and marine biologists to manage nurseries and conduct reef surveys.

This community-based approach supports SDG 17 by fostering partnerships and SDG 14 by promoting sustainable use of marine resources.

Complementary Scientific Approaches

Other institutions, such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of Newcastle (UK), are developing selective breeding and genetic interventions to cultivate heat-tolerant corals. Studies indicate that traditional restoration may fail after bleaching events, but focusing on heat-resilient corals can enhance long-term survival.

Exploring Coral Nutrition and Supplementation

Emerging research explores coral nutrition to improve resilience, including:

• Feeding corals zooplankton post-bleaching to boost recovery.
• Using substrates infused with essential metal nutrients like manganese and zinc.
• Laboratory experiments with microscopic brine shrimp and vitamin supplements to enhance coral health.

These innovative strategies aim to develop scalable solutions to support coral survival, contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While scientific innovation and community engagement offer promising stopgap measures, long-term protection of coral reefs hinges on addressing the root causes of climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming are imperative to prevent further mass bleaching events.

Efforts to conserve coral reefs directly support multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – by advocating for emission reductions.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water – through reef restoration and marine biodiversity conservation.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – via international cooperation and community involvement.

Failure to act risks irreversible loss of coral ecosystems worldwide, underscoring the urgency of integrated, sustainable approaches to environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses the impact of rising marine temperatures due to climate change causing coral bleaching and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to curb ocean warming.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The focus on protecting and restoring coral reefs, which support marine biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, directly relates to this goal.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Though primarily about marine life, the involvement of indigenous communities and local tourism operators in restoration efforts connects to sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and community engagement.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights international cooperation, pledges from multiple countries, and partnerships between scientific institutions, governments, and local communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (implied by the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect reefs).
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation (implied by awareness and education efforts mentioned).
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts (directly related to coral reef protection and restoration).
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas (implied by pledges and coral nursery efforts).
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology (related to scientific research on super corals and restoration techniques).
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems (implied by community involvement and indigenous partnerships).
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships (evidenced by collaboration between countries, NGOs, scientific teams, and local operators).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Coral Bleaching and Reef Health Indicators
   • Percentage of coral reefs affected by bleaching (article mentions 60% of Great Barrier Reef exposed to potential bleaching, and 80% of ocean reefs affected globally).
   • Survival rate of outplanted corals (85% survival rate reported by the Coral Nurture Program).
   • Visible signs of reef recovery in outplanted areas (qualitative monitoring).
2. Scientific and Research Indicators
   • Number of identified heat-tolerant or “super coral” species (up to 40 species found).
   • Success rates of breeding and selective propagation techniques (varying success reported by Australian Institute of Marine Science and University of Newcastle).
   • Development and testing of coral supplements or nutrition interventions (early-stage experiments mentioned).
3. Partnership and Funding Indicators
   • Number of countries signing pledges to protect reefs (11 countries).
   • Amount of funding pledged to global coral reef funds (over $25 million).
   • Engagement level of local communities and tourism operators in restoration activities.
4. Climate Action Indicators
   • Reduction in carbon emissions contributing to ocean warming (implied as necessary but no specific indicator detailed).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies 13.3: Improve education and capacity on climate change	Reduction in carbon emissions (implied) Awareness and education initiatives (implied)
SDG 14: Life Below Water	14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine ecosystems 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge and marine technology	% of coral reefs affected by bleaching (60% GBR, 80% global) Survival rate of outplanted corals (85%) Number of heat-tolerant coral species identified (40 species) Success rates of selective breeding and propagation Development of coral nutrition supplements (early-stage)
SDG 15: Life on Land	15.1: Conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems	Community and indigenous engagement in restoration programs (qualitative)
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.17: Promote effective public, private, and civil society partnerships	Number of countries signing reef protection pledges (11 countries) Funding pledged to coral reef initiatives (over $25 million) Level of collaboration with tourism operators and local communities

Source: cnn.com