REEF REPORT: 2024 Edition

THIS YEAR'S MOST INTERESTING OCEAN NEWS

As 2024 came to a close, we collected the best news articles from this past year, highlighting innovative methods, scientific breakthroughs, inspiring discoveries, and momentum to preserve the ocean and its ecosystems.

1. Scientists discovered the world’s largest coral

Scientists from the National Geographic Society’s Pristine Seas expedition discovered a 300-year-old coral near the Solomon Islands. Measuring 112 by 105 feet, this mega coral (Pavona clavus) is longer than a blue whale and visible from space. See more here.

2. IVF-created corals survived after mass bleaching event

Young corals bred via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and planted in reefs around the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean have surprised scientists by staying healthy and colorful, while older corals struggled following last year's record bleaching event. Find more here.

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3. Hope and resilience for coral reefs found in Central America

Despite being exposed to decades of pollution and heat waves, Tela Bay is abundantly alive with coral. Scientists are exploring theories behind the reef’s resilience, ranging from the presence of sea urchins to heat-resistant symbionts. Find out more here

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4. Cambodia witnessed a rare coral spawning event

Over in Southeast Asia, biologists observed a coral spawning event despite this year's bleaching, showcasing the reef's health and ability to regenerate. The secret to the reef’s survival may lie in the high species and genetic diversity of its corals. Watch the event here.

5. Selective breeding boots coral heat tolerance to marine heatwaves

A multi-year study shows that selective breeding can boost coral resilience. The findings show that by breeding parent colonies for heat tolerance, their offspring became up to 1°C more heat-resistant in one generation. Discover more here.

6. Experimental evolution using coral microbes shows potential

In Australia, researchers are racing to develop innovative solutions to strengthen corals in a warming world by employing advanced lab techniques. They are exploring ways to manipulate the microbes living within corals to boost their resilience. Look closer into their lab here.

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7. Miami scientists turn to Honduras to rescue Florida’s coral reefs

In another effort to help corals adapt to climate change, scientists from the University of Miami are turning to a unique site in Honduras where corals are unexpectedly thriving to breed these resilient corals with Florida's surviving ones using a technique called “genetic rescue”. Learn more here.

8. First cryo-born coral babies planted on the Great Barrier Reef

In a world-first, researchers have successfully grown and transported cryo-born coral babies into their new and natural homes on the Great Barrier Reef, marking the start of a groundbreaking new era for coral conservation and restoration. Discover more here.

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9. A global coalition of conservationists restores reefs at a new scale

The Nature Conservancy, along with a coalition of partners, including Fundacion Grupo Puntacana, Mote Marine Lab, Sea Foundry and our team at Coral Gardeners are working on an exciting project to rehabilitate degraded reefs on a scale the world has never seen. Discover more here.

10. Ancient reefs survived extinction – can modern reefs do the same?"

Scientists have found evidence that ancient corals survived mass extinction and continued thriving as key reef-builders. Just like the research looking into past signs of climate risk in history, we must keep pushing science and innovation to better understand and protect our ocean. Read more here.

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That’s a wrap for the 2024 edition of Reef Report. We’ll keep the fresh and inspiring articles coming throughout the new year on all things ocean conservation.