Colombian 'Coral Mother' Fights Extinction with Innovative Reef Restoration
Colombian marine biologist Elvira Alvarado, dubbed 'the mother of Colombian corals', is dedicated to saving endangered coral reef ecosystems through innovative methods. Her lifelong commitment has seen her mentor scores of young marine biologists, mostly women, who continue her work in coral reef restoration.
Alvarado's team collects coral eggs and sperm during the annual spawning event, fertilizing them in a laboratory in Belize. This in-vitro fertilization technique, pioneered by Australian scientist Peter Harrison, allows them to reproduce coral varieties that are more resistant to heat and stress. The team then transplants these new corals to existing reefs, helping to replace dying coral and support the vital ecosystems.
Coral reef ecosystems, which provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for thousands of fish species, protect shorelines, and support tourism, have been declining since the 1970s. More than half of all the coral in the Caribbean have died due to diseases, pollution, and rising ocean temperatures. Alvarado's work is crucial in combating this decline and ensuring the survival of these vital ecosystems in warming conditions.
Alvarado's legacy will live on through the marine biologists she has inspired, who continue her work in coral reef restoration. Her innovative use of in-vitro fertilization to reproduce and transplant heat-resistant corals offers hope for the future of these vital ecosystems. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and other threats, Alvarado's dedication and the efforts of her team and mentees remain a beacon of hope for the preservation of coral reef ecosystems.
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