Coral Reef Gene Bank: Cryopreservation of Endangered Ecosystems
By / Jul 2, 2025
The world’s coral reefs, often described as the rainforests of the sea, are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and human activity. As these vibrant ecosystems teeter on the brink of collapse, scientists are racing against time to preserve their genetic diversity through an innovative approach: cryopreservation. This cutting-edge technique involves freezing coral sperm, larvae, and even fragments of adult colonies to create a "genetic library" that could one day restore these underwater marvels. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated—losing coral reefs would mean the disappearance of nearly 25% of marine biodiversity, along with the livelihoods of millions who depend on them.