Why It’s in the News
- First Coral Larvae Cryobank in Southeast Asia:
- The Philippines is setting up a cryobank to preserve coral larvae.
- Part of a regional initiative linking research institutions across the Coral Triangle (Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand).
- Objective:
- Protect genetic diversity of corals threatened by climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing.
- Support research and reef restoration in one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
Relevance
- GS III – Environment & Biodiversity:
- Coral Triangle conservation, coral bleaching, climate change impact, and marine biodiversity.
- GS II – Governance & International Cooperation:
- Regional collaboration between Southeast Asian nations for biodiversity conservation.
- Role of research institutions and government-backed platforms in marine conservation.
Coral Triangle and Its Importance
- Geography & Biodiversity:
- Covers 5.7 million sq. km across tropical waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste.
- Known as the “Amazon of the Seas”; richest marine ecosystem globally.
- Hosts >75% of the world’s coral species, 1/3 of reef fish, vast mangrove forests, and 6 of 7 marine turtle species.
- Sustains food security and livelihoods for >120 million people.
- Threats:
- Climate change, ocean warming, and coral bleaching.
- Destructive fishing practices, pollution, and habitat loss.
- Potential loss of 70–90% of live coral cover by 2050 without limiting warming to 1.5°C.
Coral Larvae Cryopreservation: Process & Science
- Cryobanks:
- Freeze coral larvae at –196°C in liquid nitrogen (vitrification).
- Larvae enter a glass-like state, avoiding ice crystal formation that can damage cells.
- Thawed using lasers, then rehydrated in seawater for revival.
- Species Focus:
- Start with model species like Pocillopora, Acropora, and Galaxsia.
- Technique ensures all coral species, not just endangered ones, can be preserved.
- Cryopreservation as Genetic Insurance:
- Protects coral genetic diversity and Symbiodiniaceae (algae living in corals).
- Allows future reef restoration and research, potentially mitigating biodiversity loss.
Regional & Collaborative Significance
- Regional Collaboration:
- Cryobanks across Southeast Asia aim to share expertise and facilities.
- Supported by Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform and Marine Environment & Resources Foundation.
- Capacity Building:
- Guidance from experts like Dr. Chiahsin Lin (Taiwan) and Preeyanuch Thongpoo (Thailand).
- Focus on developing coral husbandry protocols, larval collection, and cryopreservation methods.
- Community Involvement:
- Coral-dependent communities often lack awareness of reef value.
- Conservation requires active participation to address tourism, waste, and destructive fishing.
Scientific and Conservation Relevance
- Climate Adaptation:
- Provides resilience against ocean warming and habitat degradation.
- Helps maintain marine biodiversity and ecological balance.
- Research Benefits:
- Cryobanks serve as a living seed bank for experimentation and restoration.
- Ensures long-term preservation of coral genetic material.
- Long-Term Warning:
- Without proactive measures, cryobanks may become repositories for extinct coral species.
