Coral Larvae Cryobank Project

Objective:

To conserve coral species and restore degraded coral reefs using cryopreservation techniques. This involves freezing coral larvae or gametes to store them long-term without loss of viability.

Key Features:

1. Collection of Coral Gametes: Coral eggs and sperm are collected during spawning events.

2. Cryopreservation: The gametes/larvae are frozen using specialized cryoprotectants and stored in liquid nitrogen at extremely low temperatures.

3. Genetic Diversity Preservation: Helps maintain the genetic diversity of corals, crucial for resilient reef ecosystems.

4. Restoration Efforts: Frozen larvae can be thawed and used to repopulate degraded coral reefs, aiding ecological restoration.

5. Research and Monitoring: Provides material for scientific studies on coral reproduction, climate resilience, and adaptive strategies.

Significance:

• Protects corals from climate change, ocean warming, acidification, and other anthropogenic threats.

• Acts as a “backup” for coral biodiversity.

• Enhances India’s capabilities in marine biodiversity conservation.

Current Status:

• India, in partnership with research institutions and marine conservation bodies, has initiated coral cryopreservation projects in key reef areas.

• The initiative is aligned with the National Biodiversity Action Plan and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).