Technology and science are coming together to create more resilient corals in the Seychelles and protect marine ecosystems. By Jamie Craggs and Nirmal Shah

Dr. Jamie Craggs, marine scientist and co-founder of Coral Spawning Lab

Dr. Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems for coastal areas: they sustain local fisheries, protect coasts from storms, attract tourism due to their biodiversity, and provide homes for 25% of marine species. However, bleaching and thermal stress resulting from climate change have severely damaged reefs worldwide. In fact, an estimated 50% have disappeared in recent decades.

To understand and try to reverse this situation, extensive research is being conducted around the world. There are different methods to promote coral growth and recovery. In many cases, reef restoration has been based on the technique of "coral gardening," in which fragments of existing reefs are selected, grown in nurseries, on land or underwater, and subsequently transplanted to degraded areas.

However, since this process results in a reef populated by genetically identical corals, the technique fails to create corals capable of consistently resisting damaging phenomena, such as bleaching.

This lack of genetic diversity in farmed reefs represents a critical weakness, making this technique a temporary solution rather than a long-term strategy for improving reef health and resilience.

In search of a genetic bank of more resistant coral species

In this context, this pioneering alliance between Canon, Coral Spawning Lab (CSL), and the NGO Nature Seychelles has emerged with a project in which we seek to combine science and cutting-edge imaging technology to regenerate corals.

Right now, we're launching the first coral breeding laboratory in the Western Indian Ocean, applying innovative methods to restore and protect reefs from global warming.

This land-based coral reproduction laboratory will be located within the existing ARC (Assisted Recovery of Corals) facility and will be equipped with advanced imaging technology provided by Canon. Using these high-resolution cameras and photomicrography and photogrammetry systems, we will be able to document the coral spawning process with a level of detail never before seen. This will allow us to understand the optimal conditions for coral reproduction in this region and try to boost their survival rates, while also supporting genetic varieties that are more resistant to the problems arising from global warming. Furthermore, the ability to capture these high-quality images and videos, even of the youngest corals, will enable scientific outreach to the public.

An innovative research center

The Coral Spawning Lab is the first facility of its kind in the region. Unlike traditional projects that work directly in the ocean, this lab replicates controlled ocean conditions on land using innovative technology, such as spawning systems for reproductive corals that simulate the lunar cycle to induce reproduction, and V-shaped channels that mimic the natural flow of currents to promote coral larval settlement and growth.

In this way, using this setup, coral spawning can be induced during the day using artificial light. This increases the production of healthy coral larvae and eliminates the pressure of marine predators on the young, which until now has led to high mortality rates. Furthermore, environmental parameters and water chemistry are carefully regulated to maximize the growth of newly germinated corals.

Genetic diversity and reef resilience

The traditional "gardening" technique involves cutting fragments from existing corals, growing them in nurseries, and transplanting them to degraded reefs. The problem is that these fragments are genetically identical clones of the parent coral, which significantly reduces the genetic diversity of the restored population. This turns these reefs into temporary solutions: all corals, being the same, can succumb together to the same environmental stress (e.g., a bout of high temperatures).

In contrast, the controlled sexual reproduction we pursue in this new laboratory generates offspring with mixed genes, replicating the natural diversity of reefs. During spawning, corals release eggs and sperm that fuse to form new genotypes. This increases the likelihood that some individuals will inherit greater thermal resistance or disease tolerance.

Importance for Seychelles and the world

Ultimately, with this project, we hope to increase the resilience of Seychelles' reefs and serve as a model for other island nations and regions around the world. Furthermore, the Seychelles case is a critical example. About half of its corals disappeared due to a recent heatwave, underscoring the urgency of protecting the remaining corals.

Corals are not only a natural heritage, but also the foundation of the local economy and culture. Healthy reefs support fishing, diving tourism, and act as natural breakwaters in a country of small islands. In other words, this partnership is part of a more sustainable future for the islands, and therefore, restoring corals is synonymous with safeguarding the future of coastal communities. Through this partnership, we seek to support local communities working to strengthen these ecosystems for future generations, providing them with the data necessary to successfully regenerate the reefs and training the local people who will operate the facility.

In short, the project stands out for its innovative approach, combining the scientific expertise of the Coral Spawning Lab, the conservation mission of Nature Seychelles and the local people, and Canon's imaging technology. This joint effort illustrates how technology and science can come together to protect an essential natural resource, generating a positive impact both locally and globally, serving as a global example thanks to the data and techniques developed, which will be shared with other reef restoration projects around the world.

Dr. Jamie Craggs, marine scientist and co-founder of Coral Spawning Lab Dr. Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles

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