Coral Larvae Cryobank to protect reef
Context:
Known as the “Amazon of the Seas,” the Coral Triangle is the world’s richest marine ecosystem — now under grave threat from climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. To address this, the Philippines is setting up Southeast Asia’s first Coral Larvae Cryobank to conserve and restore coral reefs.
UPSC Relevance:
CSE in prelims as well as in mains examination has focused on Coral Reef, Symbiotic Relation between different species and coral reef related technology. A case in point is a following PYQ
PYQ Prelims 2022
“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations ?
A) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
B) Development of building materials using plant residues
C) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
D) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Coral Triangle?
- It spans 5.7 million sq. km across the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste.
- It is home to:
- Over 75% of the world’s coral species
- One-third of all reef fish species
- Vast mangrove forests
- 6 of the world’s 7 marine turtle species
Supports food security and livelihoods for over 120 million people in the region.
Issues:
- Rising carbon emissions and global warming
- Destructive fishing and coastal pollution
- Coral bleaching caused by higher sea temperatures
- Habitat loss and species extinction
Philippines’ Coral Cryobank Initiative:
The facility will freeze and preserve coral larvae (the “seeds” of corals) at –196°C using liquid nitrogen. This process, called vitrification, prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging the coral cells. The preserved larvae can later be used to revive damaged reefs or for scientific research, maintaining genetic diversity.
The project aligns with UN SDG 14: Life Below Water and the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030).