A coral conservation center located in Fujian Province, southeast China, is at the forefront of advocating for coral preservation.
A coral conservation center located in Fujian Province, southeast China, is at the forefront of advocating for coral preservation. The center showcases ongoing initiatives focused on the study, cultivation, and restoration of coral reefs.
Established in August 2014 by the Third Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources, the conservation center spans an area of 145 square meters and houses nearly 20 different types of breeding systems.
Presently, researchers at the center are dedicated to studying coral behavior and engaging in artificial cultivation. These efforts provide crucial insights for the propagation of wild corals and preservation and restoration of reef environments.
Li Yan, a staff member at the conservation center, elaborated on their multifaceted endeavors, stating, “We have various tasks in the field. For instance, we engage in coral reef restoration, which typically involves coral planting. Meanwhile, we also work on substrate modification in areas with excessive sand or silt. We adjust the substrate to create a suitable environment for coral growth, aiming at promoting the prosperity and beauty of the underwater coral communities in their natural state.”
Coral reef ecosystems stand as some of the most biodiverse systems on our planet. Coral polyps, which are the fundamental units of coral, assemble in colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands, forming the stunning corals. As certain corals reach the end of their life cycle, their rigid skeletons metamorphose into reef structures. These specific corals, recognized as reef-building corals, establish diverse marine habitats, offering a natural underwater haven for a myriad of species.
To date, the conservation center has successfully bred nearly 100 species of reef-building corals and over 30 species of reef-dwelling organisms. These achievements underscore the dedication and efficacy of their conservation efforts in safeguarding these invaluable marine ecosystems.
The work carried out by the center is pivotal in ensuring the long-term vitality and sustainability of coral reefs, which not only serve as critical habitats for marine life but also play a vital role in maintaining the overall health and balance of our planet’s oceans.