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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 20, 2026Miami-Dade

Scientists produce 108,000 coral larvae from rare Florida Keys spawning event

Twelve organizations collected eggs and sperm from rare elkhorn and stag-horn coral during a recent spawning event to produce over 108,000 larvae. These larvae are being nurtured for future restoration efforts on Florida's reefs, with a goal of replanting them within two years.

environmentmarine biologycoral reef restorationFlorida Keys
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Why It Matters

This initiative aims to increase the and climate resilience of Florida's coral reefs, which are currently threatened by warming and acidic ocean conditions.

Key Facts

  • Twelve organizations collaborated to collect coral eggs and sperm during a rare annual spawning event.
  • The effort resulted in the production of over 108,000 coral larvae.
  • The project focuses on elkhorn and stag-horn coral species.
  • Scientists are cross-breeding corals to improve resilience against warmer and more acidic ocean conditions.
  • The goal is to return the nurtured corals to Florida's reefs within two years.
  • The spawning event occurred on a Tuesday night in the Florida Keys.

Who's Mentioned

organizationMote Marine“Organization leading the coral reproduction effort.”other108,000“Number of coral larvae produced.”locationFlorida Keys“Location of the coral spawning event.”personCelia Leto“Coral Reproduction Manager at Mote Marine.”