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NewsWSVN 7 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 staghorn coral during a recent spawning event to produce over 108,000 larvae. These larvae will be nurtured in laboratory settings with the goal of replanting them on Florida reefs by 2026.

environmentmarine biologycoral reef restorationFlorida Keys
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Why It Matters

This effort aims to restore coral populations by creating genetically diverse corals specifically adapted to warmer and more in the Florida Keys.

Key Facts

  • Scientists produced over 108,000 coral larvae from a recent spawning event.
  • Twelve organizations collaborated on the collection of eggs and sperm.
  • The project focuses on elkhorn and staghorn coral species.
  • The goal is to return the grown corals to Florida reefs by 2026.
  • The breeding strategy aims to increase genetic diversity and resilience to warm and acidic ocean conditions.

Who's Mentioned

organizationMote Marine“Organization leading the coral reproduction efforts.”locationFlorida Keys“Location of the coral spawning and restoration efforts.”personCelia Leto“Coral Reproduction Manager at Mote Marine.”