A new study has shown that selective breeding can lead to a modest rise in coral heat tolerance.
A new study has shown that selective breeding can lead to a modest rise in coral heat tolerance.
Led by experts at Newcastle University’s Coralassist Lab, the study documents the world’s first effort to selectively breed adult corals for enhanced heat tolerance, i.e. the ability of adult corals to survive intense marine heatwaves. The breeding effort was a success, showing that it is possible to improve the heat tolerance of adult coral offspring, even in a single generation.
However, the improvement was modest in comparison to future marine heatwaves expected under climate change. The authors stress that rapid reductions of global greenhouse gas emissions are an absolute requirement to mitigate warming and give corals an opportunity to adapt.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications. It was carried out in partnership with the University of Victoria, Horniman Museum and Gardens, Palau International Coral Reef Center, University of Derby, and the University of Exeter.
Read more at Newcastle University
