Scientist recently freeze Great Barrier Reef coral in world –first trial.

About:

• Scientists used the cryomesh to freeze coral larvae at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS).
• The Great Barrier reef coral has suffered four bleaching events in the last seven years including the first ever bleach during a La Nina phenomenon.
• The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. It also holds great scientific interest as the habitat of species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.

What is Cryomesh?

• Cryomesh is a specially fabricated mesh used as substrate in cryopreservation. This 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).

Significance of Coral Cryopreservation –

• 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.

What are corals?

• Corals are animals which live in a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae (which live within the coral tissue).
• The zooxanthellae convert sunlight into food, providing corals with up to 90 per cent of their energy needs. They also give corals much of their colour.