Long Live the Orange Coral
There exists in the Mediterranean Sea a coral very characteristic for not being found in other seas and for its spectacular orange color, the Astroides calycularis. We can say it is one of the favorite animals of those fortunate enough to know the seabeds, but we can also affirm that it is one of the most threatened species in the southwestern Mediterranean.
This species, endangered by climate change and other human impacts, still has well-preserved populations on the Andalusian coast, which presents an opportunity to implement a rehabilitation program before it’s too late.
Coral rehabilitation program in the Mediterranean
The project began about 15 years ago with the study by HyT, Man and Territory Association, of different Mediterranean corals, especially the biological, ecological, and genetic aspects of the orange coral. These studies suggest that rehabilitation of coralline habitats is possible through their larvae (responsible for establishing new colonies and connecting populations).
It is then when, in collaboration with the Seville Aquarium, this project is launched with the aim to “succeed in reproducing part of the natural cycle of these larvae in a controlled environment to increase their survival and form viable colonies that can then be returned to the natural environment”, says David León, Project Coordinator at Man and Territory.
Thanks to prior advice from the Sevillian aquarium on the handling and collection of this species, the members of this association have already been able to collect the first larvae in the protected marine area of the Granada coast, the ZEC Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de la Punta de la Mona. These larvae, which must be collected right at the moment of their release, have been transferred to the aquarium’s quarantine facilities, where “an exclusive tank has been set up for their study, recreating all water quality parameters to make them similar to the place of origin” assures Andrés Loza, Curator of the Seville Aquarium.
After several weeks of daily care by the aquarium’s technical team, it can now be assured that their evolution has been a success, as they have not only attached correctly to the substrate, but have also begun their metamorphosis into polyps (and later into new coral), as well as starting to feed.
This tool, which had never been implemented in Spain before, opens the door to new techniques for custodianship and possible recovery of spaces and habitats in the marine environment, through a non-invasive technique.
The program, which is currently being developed under the supervision of the Seville Aquarium’s technical team, is coordinated by Man and Territory and has scientific advice from the University of Seville and administrative support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development.
Why are corals important?
Corals are animals that can form colonies of thousands of individuals essential for the survival of hundreds of millions of people. These living structures are home to thousands of marine creatures (25% of the world’s marine fauna, according to UN data) and the basis of the food chain for organisms living there, but they also provide us with food security through fishing, protect us from floods, generate income thanks to the millions of tourists who travel to appreciate them, and are even the raw material for some medicines to combat cancer.
Seville Aquarium Research
One of the aquarium’s priorities is to contribute to research applied to the conservation of species in their natural environment. The main purpose of the projects carried out is always environmental conservation or the improvement of animal welfare.
“We believe it is essential to support marine conservation initiatives, it is part of our goals, so we will continue to support collaboration with entities that work for the conservation of threatened species such as Mediterranean corals” states Rocío Alcázar, Manager of the Seville Aquarium.