COCONUT ISLAND, Hawaii (AP) — Scientists are preparing to transplant laboratory-enhanced coral onto reefs in Hawaii in hopes that the high-performing specimens will strengthen the overall health of the reef.
Using assisted evolution, researchers from the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology are creating a form of “super coral” that can be used to seed and strengthen other suffering reefs.
Over 25 percent of the world’s fish biodiversity is associated with coral reefs and scientists say if the reefs disappear, the biodiversity that come along with them will soon follow.
Beyond the local habitats reefs create, they also protect shorelines, produce food for humans and are major tourist attractions, fueling many local economies.
The institute’s director says they should have the first transplants from this project in the water by early 2016.
Comment count on this article reflects comments made on Breitbart.com and Facebook. Visit Breitbart's Facebook Page.