Can biology save our coral reefs?

Our coral reefs are in decline, with the increasing frequency, intensity and duration of mass-bleaching events during summer heatwaves a global catastrophe in the making.

Ultimately, the only solution to reversing this decline is to address the root cause, global warming, but time is running out and many reefs may disappear forever without emergency interventions.

Researchers around the world are exploring novel approaches that could buy coral reefs precious time: some, like artificial cloud brightening, are designed to cool reef waters, while others seek to enhance the temperature tolerance of corals so they can better cope with heatwaves.

Professor Madeleine van Oppen’s group is focused on the latter, using what they call ‘assisted evolution’ to breed corals that are protected from bleaching during heat waves.

Madeleine and her colleague Dr Wing Chan will explain how assisted evolution works and share their exciting early successes in breeding heat-tolerant corals.