A global group of coral experts is urging immediate regulatory changes to enable assisted gene flow (AGF), a key method for strengthening coral resilience, before climate change leads to more reef loss and permanent damage to coral ecosystems.
Policy Steps to Support Global Coral Broodstock Exchange
In Science, researchers outline regulatory changes to enable international coral exchange and boost genetic diversity for reef restoration.
They suggest adapting plant-sharing rules, creating regional coral biobanks, and using political alliances for faster cross-border transfers. These reforms have become essential as current global carbon reduction efforts have failed to sufficiently slow ocean warming.
“We need new strategies to protect coral reefs, and updating regulations is key to global collaboration,” said lead author Andrew Baker.
Assisted gene flow (AGF) is the intentional transfer of individuals or their reproductive cells between populations of the same species to promote interbreeding. The goal is to boost genetic diversity and traits like resilience or disease resistance, especially in the face of climate change.
First Cross-Border Coral Outplanting Targets Florida Reef Recovery
The new study was published just three weeks after elkhorn corals—bred from a cross between parent corals from Florida and Honduras—were planted on Miami reefs. This marked the first time corals from different countries were approved for outplanting on wild reefs. After the severe coral losses of the 2023 heatwave, researchers created these crossbreeds to aid Acropora palmata’s genetic rescue and restore Florida’s reefs.
The successful creation and outplanting of “Flonduran” corals paves the way for research on their role in reef restoration.
“We need to expand assisted gene flow and build biobanks to preserve and breed diverse Caribbean corals,” said Andrew Baker. “These steps are key to scaling climate-resilient coral efforts and giving reefs a fighting chance.”
Study Weighs Genetic Rescue Against Risks Like Outbreeding Depression
The paper also warns that introducing outside genes could cause outbreeding depression, disrupting traits key to local survival.
“Risks exist, but inaction isn’t an option—many corals can’t keep up with rapid warming,” said co-author Iliana Baums. “Assisted gene flow has boosted resilience in other animals and could be crucial for stressed corals.”
Coral reefs around the world face mounting threats from climate-driven ocean warming, along with nutrient pollution, disease, and other stressors. The 2023–2025 bleaching event marked the fourth global bleaching event on record, affecting 84% of the planet’s coral reefs.
“Addressing these challenges needs regional coordination, as most reefs can’t gain genetic diversity quickly enough,” said Andrew Baker. “We need bold international strategies and regulatory reforms to scale up—this paper shows the way.”
Read the original article on: Phys.Org
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