Resounding Success of Coral Planting Project for Restoration
Just over a year ago, the MedCoral program launched the pilot action for coral planting. This is a pioneering project in Europe that aims to understand the reproduction mechanisms and natural cycle of the orange coral (Astroides calycularis) and generate management tools for its conservation.
Project Development
MedCoral, HyT’s Program for the knowledge and conservation of Mediterranean corals, began 15 years ago with the study of different Mediterranean corals, especially the biological, ecological, and genetic aspects of the orange coral. During these years of intensive study and monitoring of the species, key aspects of its biology have been understood, “which has allowed us to develop a pioneering initiative in our coastline and at national and international levels, also integrating innovation, science, and engineering in each step taken” comments David León, Project Coordinator at HyT. “The success of this action, which had never been carried out in Spain before, opens the door to new techniques of stewardship and possible recovery of spaces and habitats in the marine environment, through a non-invasive technique that also ensures the genetic stock of populations, compared to other existing techniques”.
The first phase of this action began in 2021 with the collection of larvae of this species in the protected areas of Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs and Cliffs and Marine Bottoms of Punta de la Mona (Málaga, Granada) at the exact moment they emerged from the coral tentacles seeking a substrate to attach to. These larvae were immediately transferred to the quarantine facilities of the Seville Aquarium, where the technical staff has monitored the entire process of fixation, metamorphosis, feeding, growth, etc. for a year. “The larvae of this coral, which we call recruits in MedCoral, are released only once a year in a coordinated manner, in a magical event that lasts just a few days. Knowing the biology of the species allows us to anticipate this release to have everything prepared”, comments Alexis Terrón, scientific advisor at HyT.
The second phase of the program, carried out a few weeks ago, successfully concluded with the placement of the colonies grown in the aquarium into the natural environment. The success of this action has been absolute, as all colonies have adapted to the process and have been correctly implanted. From now on, it remains to monitor their growth through periodic reviews of the area to see how they evolve, until they fully integrate and even reproduce.
“Mediterranean corals are threatened, but thanks to research and pioneering programs like this, we can reverse the situation and conserve species that are so important for the marine environment, for the Mediterranean, and for Andalusia” states Rocío Alcázar, manager of the Seville Aquarium.
This project, coordinated by HyT, has the collaboration of the Seville Aquarium, scientific advice from the University of Seville, and administrative support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Sustainable Development.
Importance of Corals
Why is it really important to recover corals? Corals are vital in the seas. They form habitats and ecosystems; protect and provide sediments to beaches; generate wealth through the blue economy; are sources of new medicines and breeding and fattening areas for species of fishing interest.
Mediterranean corals, like other coralline areas of the planet, are in danger as a result of human activities, led by climate change, pollution, industrial fishing, and the entry of invasive species, such as the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae.