‘Super Corals’ Could Hold Key to Threatened Reef Survival

(MENAFN) New research from Australia’s University of Technology Sydney (UTS) reveals that so-called "super corals," which naturally endure extreme environments, could play a crucial role in restoring threatened reef ecosystems.

According to a statement released Monday by UTS, the study provides strong evidence that these heat-tolerant corals maintain their resilience even after being relocated to calmer reef habitats. This discovery offers hope for protecting coral reefs, which support 25% of marine species and are vital to global economies through fisheries, tourism, and coastal defense.

Published in Science Advances, the study focused on corals from mangrove lagoons near Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef. These lagoons are known for harsh conditions, including wide temperature swings, low oxygen, and reduced salinity. When transplanted just one kilometer away to a more stable reef environment, these "super corals" retained their heightened heat tolerance even after one year.

Lead author Christine Roper of the UTS Climate Change Cluster highlighted gene expression data showing that transplanted corals activate pathways linked to DNA repair, metabolism, and homeostasis—key biological mechanisms enabling survival under heat stress.

"This suggests that their resilience is not just environmental but deeply embedded in their biology," Roper said.

The research paves the way for restoration strategies that leverage these naturally tough corals. Drawing parallels to agriculture—where drought-resistant crops enhance food security—the team suggests stress-hardy corals could be cultivated and introduced to critical reef sites, boosting ecological and economic resilience.

"By harnessing nature's own resilience, it's possible to buy time for coral reefs and the communities that depend on them," Roper added, underscoring the urgent need to drastically cut carbon emissions to safeguard reefs’ futures.

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