Assisted Fertilization Is Reviving Disappearing Coral Reefs Across the Caribbean

Assisted fertilization is helping revive and restore disappearing coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, according to the Associated Press. The technique is gaining momentum across the Caribbean to counter the drastic loss of corals due to climate change.

Warming oceans are killing coral reefs and making it increasingly difficult for surviving corals to reproduce naturally. The assisted fertilization approach helps corals reproduce by collecting and distributing their spawn, significantly increasing the chances of successful reproduction.

“The technique is gaining momentum across the Caribbean to counter the drastic loss of corals due to climate change.”

Scientists report encouraging results, with new coral growth appearing in areas that had been devastated. The technique offers hope that coral reefs, vital ecosystems supporting 25% of all marine species, can be saved.