In a groundbreaking achievement, a threatened species of UK coral, the pink sea fan (Eunicella verrucosa), has been successfully bred for the first time in a UK aquarium. This milestone, accomplished at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, offers new hope for the conservation of this vulnerable marine species. The research, led by a Ph.D. student from the University of Exeter, provides crucial insights into the reproduction and larval development of temperate coral species.
Unlocking the Secrets of Temperate Coral Reproduction
The successful breeding of the pink sea fan at the Horniman Aquarium represents a significant milestone in the field of coral conservation. This native temperate coral species, found along the coasts of western Ireland, southwest Britain, and the Mediterranean, has long been classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
The groundbreaking achievement is the result of dedicated research and collaboration between the University of Exeter and the Horniman Aquarium’s Project Coral lab. Kaila Wheatley Kornblum, a Ph.D. student at the University of Exeter, is leading the research into the reproduction, larval dispersal, and population connectivity of the Eunicella verrucosa species. The spawning and successful rearing of the pink sea fan larvae in the aquarium’s controlled environment have provided unprecedented insights into the early life stages of this temperate coral.
Pioneering Coral Reproduction Research at Horniman Aquarium
The Horniman Aquarium’s Project Coral lab has been at the forefront of groundbreaking coral reproduction research. With the successful spawning of the pink sea fan, the aquarium has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first institution in the UK to successfully reproduce this threatened species in a controlled setting.
According to Dr. Jamie Craggs, the Principal Aquarium Curator at the Horniman and the lead scientist on Project Coral, “This marks the first time this species has been spawned and reared in the UK and is a major step forward in conserving the species. It’s wonderful to see the larvae now starting to settle and grow into juvenile sea fans.” The exceptional husbandry skills of the Horniman Aquarium team, who work behind the scenes on various coral research partnerships, have been instrumental in the success of this landmark achievement.
Expanding Knowledge and Conservation Efforts for Temperate Corals
The successful breeding of the pink sea fan in the Horniman Aquarium not only represents a significant scientific achievement but also offers a glimmer of hope for the conservation of this threatened species. Kaila Wheatley Kornblum, the lead researcher on the project, expressed her excitement, stating, “This is a groundbreaking achievement and offers us a long-awaited opportunity to expand our knowledge on temperate coral reproduction, especially larval development and settlement, key areas highlighted by our group’s previous work but unobserved until now.”
This breakthrough in coral reproduction research will undoubtedly contribute to the broader understanding of temperate coral species and their conservation. By studying the early life stages of the pink sea fan, researchers can gain crucial insights that can be applied to other threatened coral species, ultimately aiding in their protection and preservation.
