The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has recently been the centre of some ground-breaking scientific research. Scientists working on the site have trialled a new method of freezing and preserving coral. This is an essential effort to protect delicate coral ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by rising ocean temperatures. Over the past seven years, the reef has experienced four bleaching events, including one unprecedented event during a La Niña phenomenon, which is typically associated with cooler temperatures.
Why Freeze Coral?
Corals play a critical role in marine ecosystems. As rising ocean temperatures pose a significant threat to their survival, scientists are researching innovative methods to safeguard these underwater structures. Freezing coral enables preservation of coral larvae, which can subsequently be reintroduced into the wild. The Great Barrier Reef has experienced four devastating bleaching events in recent years, necessitating such protective measures.
The New Methodology: Cryomesh
The method developed to freeze coral involves a technology called Cryomesh. Developed by the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering, Cryomesh is lightweight, making it an affordable option for large-scale use. The mesh technology allows coral larvae to be stored at -196°C (-320.8°F).
Significance of Cryomesh
Cryogenically frozen coral can be reintroduced into the wild when conditions become favourable again. While current processes for freezing require complex equipment such as lasers, Cryomesh is a cheaper, more effective alternative. It allows for better preservation of corals and thus, could be a significant tool in the future of coral reef protection.
What are Coral Reefs?
Corals are marine invertebrates or animals without a spine. They fall under the phylum Cnidaria and the class Anthozoa in scientific classifications. Coral is made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps, which contain microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae. Corals and zooxanthellae have a mutualistic relationship, where both organisms benefit from each other’s existence.
Types of Corals
Corals can be broadly classified into two types: hard, shallow-water corals that build reefs and soft, deepwater corals that flourish in dark, cold waters. These coral structures provide support for over 25% of marine biodiversity, despite occupying only 1% of the seafloor. With their rich biodiversity, they contribute significantly to global fishing industries and generate an annual economic value of around USD 2.7 trillion through goods, service trade, and tourism.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem. It comprises over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Notable for being the world’s largest single structure made by living organisms, it is visible from outer space. Recognizing its unique ecological importance, it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1981.
UPSC Civil Services Examination
The importance of corals and their symbiotic relationships with other organisms has been highlighted in previous UPSC Civil Services examinations. For example, the 2021 examination included a question on symbiosis between different species such as Cnidarians, Fungi, and Protozoa. Similarly, the 2018 examination included questions about the global distribution of coral reefs. Knowledge of these relationships is crucial for understanding the complex interplay of organisms within marine ecosystems and the threats posed by global warming.