Scientists freeze Great Barrier Reef coral in a world-first trial

Scientists freeze Great Barrier Reef coral in a world-first trial

Subject: Environment

Context:

• Scientists working on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have successfully trialled a new method for freezing and storing coral larvae they say could eventually help rewild reefs threatened by climate change.

Cryomesh:

• Cryomesh is a specially fabricated mesh used as a substrate in cryopreservation.
• The ‘cryomesh’ is lightweight and can be manufactured cheaply.
• It better preserves coral and has the properties of cryoplates.
• The mesh technology will help store coral larvae at -196°C (-320.8°F).
• This new technology can scale up and support some of the aquaculture and restoration interventions.

Significance:

• Cryogenically frozen coral can be stored and later reintroduced to the wild.
• This could eventually help to rewild reefs threatened by climate change.
• It can build a bigger, more diverse bank of frozen living corals, preserving biodiversity.

Great barrier reef:

https://optimizeias.com/the-great-barrier-reef-is-in-danger-australia-pushes-back/