The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) is embarking on a significant endeavor to establish the first coral restoration facility in the Philippines, aimed at combatting the rising threats faced by coral reefs due to climate change and human activities. The project, titled “Coral Conservation Capacity Development in the Coral Triangle: A Cryorepository Network for Coral Larvae,” is a collaborative effort involving research institutions from the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to create a regional network of coral larval cryobanks within the Coral Triangle region.
The primary focus of the research is on Pocillopora, a type of Pocilloporid coral chosen for larvae cryopreservation. The project is part of a broader strategy to conserve coral reef biodiversity through the innovative technique of cryopreservation. Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, leading the Philippine research team, emphasizes the importance of not only preserving corals in the present but also laying the foundation for future research and reef restoration efforts that can benefit future generations.
Dr. Chiahsin Lin from the National Dong Hwa University and the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan is spearheading this initiative, with support from the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform. The project, currently concentrating on pocilloporid corals with a brooding reproductive strategy, involves collecting larvae from monitored colonies, preserving them in liquid nitrogen for long-term storage, and planning for their utilization in coral restoration projects in the future.
Pocilloporid corals are deemed valuable for reef recovery due to their rapid growth and reproductive cycles, allowing them to quickly colonize disturbed reefs. Nonetheless, their vulnerability to climate stress, particularly coral bleaching, presents a significant challenge to their survival. Dr. Lin and his team have conducted capacity-building training on cryopreservation at the UP MSI Bolinao Marine Laboratory, equipping research assistants with the necessary skills and experience in cryopreservation techniques.
In addition to pocilloporids, the project aims to expand cryopreservation protocols to other coral species. The team is also working on developing specialized tools such as a laser-assisted warming device and a cryojig system. Through collaborations and monthly efforts, the team is steadily increasing the number of cryopreserved larvae. The ultimate goal is to establish the first coral larval repository or cryobank at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory under Dr. Rodriguez’s leadership, ensuring a sustainable approach to coral restoration in the Philippines.
Key Takeaways:
– UP-MSI is pioneering a coral restoration project in the Philippines focusing on cryopreservation techniques for coral larvae.
– Collaborating with regional institutions, the project aims to establish a network of coral larval cryobanks within the Coral Triangle region.
– The initiative targets pocilloporid corals for cryopreservation due to their significance in reef recovery despite their vulnerability to climate stress.
– The long-term goal is to safeguard coral biodiversity and enhance capabilities for coral restoration efforts through innovative cryopreservation methods.
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