IVF is helping coral reef restoration with a reproduction boost

Environmental Impact & Conservation Efforts - Climate change is causing warming oceans, disrupting coral habitats, leading to coral decline [1] - An estimated 14% of the world's coral has disappeared since 2009, but conservationists believe the damage is likely higher [1][2] - A coral IVF project in Cuba, launched in 2019, is showing success with three farms established [3] Coral Reproduction & Fertilization - Scientists are collecting egg and sperm samples during spawning season to encourage fertilization [2] - The fertilization technique achieves a more than 90% fertilization rate, exceeding natural fertilization rates [4] - Coral offspring are attached to clay tiles and placed back into the ocean to repair damaged reefs [4] Limitations & Future Needs - Current coral restoration efforts are insufficient to reverse the damage caused by climate change [5] - Addressing global climate impacts is crucial for the long-term survival of corals [5]