close
close
cegivel

Scientists successfully breed corals to improve heat tolerance – study

Monicel
Scientists successfully breed corals to improve heat tolerance – study

Scientific researchers have successfully bred corals to withstand greater heat tolerance in an effort to contribute to a future in coral conservation. Researchers at Newcastle University’s Coralassist Lab have launched the world’s first attempt to selectively breed adult corals and improve their ability to survive heat waves in marine environments.

In a peer-reviewed study originally published in Communications of naturethe researchers found that selective breeding can modestly improve heat tolerance in coral offspring, even within a single generation. However, the improvement remains limited compared to the severity of future marine heat waves expected under ongoing climate change.

The authors of the study highlighted the role that greenhouse gas emissions play in the threat to coral reefs.

The research, carried out over five years in collaboration with various institutions including the University of Victoria and the Palau International Coral Reef Centre, focused on breeding coral colonies with greater resilience to two types of stress by heat: short, intense heat exposure and less intense, long-term heat exposure typical of natural marine heat waves. The results showed that breeding parent colonies with higher heat tolerance resulted in offspring that were more resistant to both types of stress.

However, the gains were modest, improving heat tolerance by about 1°C per week, which the researchers say may not be enough to combat the rapid pace of climate change without other serious interventions.

Researchers tested coral that was bred to withstand the heat in a study at the University of Newcastle. (credit: GERARD RICARDO)

“This work shows that selective breeding is feasible, but it is not a silver bullet solution,” said Liam Lachs, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Newcastle and lead author of the study. “Further research is needed to maximize reproductive outcomes, but alongside this, urgent action to reduce global emissions is vital if we are to give corals a chance to adapt.”

Especially in the world of scientific research, the results did not come overnight and the challenges will only continue in the future. While selective breeding of corals offers hope, scientists warn that several challenges remain before this approach can be fully implemented in the wild.

Dr. James Guest, Reader in Coral Reef Ecology at Newcastle University, highlighted the key questions that need to be addressed: “How much coral should be planted to benefit wild populations? Can we avoid trade-offs and how can we ensure selected traits . are they not diluted once added to natural populations?”

The study found no genetic correlation between short- and long-term heat tolerance. This revealed that corals can operate under independent genetic controls, presenting a major challenge for future conservation efforts.

The co-author of the study, Dra. Adriana Humanes, a postdoctoral research associate at the Coralassist Lab, emphasized that more research is needed to better understand which traits to prioritize and how to optimize breeding interventions. The researchers call for further development to ensure these techniques can keep pace with climate change, particularly if global emissions are reduced and coral populations are given a chance to adapt.

Stay up to date with the latest news!

Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post newsletter

Despite the obstacles, the researchers see their work as an important proof of concept. “Selective breeding of corals for adult heat wave survival is possible,” the authors concluded. “Now, we need to focus on making breeding interventions work and maximizing outcomes, while driving strong climate action to limit warming.”

With coral reefs facing unprecedented threats from warming seas, selective breeding could become an essential tool in the fight to preserve these vital ecosystems. However, as the study underlines, it is only one part of a much larger battle to combat the impacts of climate change.

The Environment and Climate Change portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post maintains all editorial decisions related to content.



Related Posts