Underwater filmmaker Vanessa Cara Kerr/Reef Patrol has produced another video documentary, this time showcasing the work of SECORE Curaçao. Growing Coral Babies in the Caribbean looks under the waters of Curaçao, showcasing both the good and bad as researchers race to save these threatened ecosystems.
From SECORE: “On Curaçao, Dr. Valérie Chamberland studies coral reproduction and related topics and how to translate these findings into protocols and methods for coral restoration. As a complement, Kelly Latijnhouwers implements the actual coral restoration on pilot sites and takes part in developing the tools―the technology―for a sustainable large-scale application. Together they form a most effective team on that beautiful island!”
Chamberland explains how SECORE’s methods help bolster the chance for future coral survival. “SECORE’s work really focuses on coral reproduction. And what’s really special about this technique is the fact that every time we work with new corals they are all genetically different. So, every time we cross different parents together, we get what we call gene recombination. Every single coral larvae in our culture harbors different genes.
“By having a large pool of different genes, we might be lucky enough to have several individuals that are better fit, better equipped to cope with today’s conditions on coral reefs. So that is the idea behind the work with SECORE, it’s to at least maintain or enhance genetic diversity to have those populations be better prepared for the future.”
Watch Growing Coral Babies in the Caribbean Now!
