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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 4, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Aquarium and partners collect coral gametes in the Florida Keys for conservation

The Florida Aquarium led a 12-night collaborative effort to collect Elkhorn coral eggs and sperm in the Florida Keys. This project aims to support the conservation of the endangered coral species through large-scale gamete collection.

environmentconservationmarine biologyFlorida Keys
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Why It Matters

This project represents a significant effort to preserve populations in the Florida Keys, which are currently classified as endangered.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Aquarium partnered with multiple marine organizations to collect coral gametes.
  • The collection effort targeted Elkhorn coral, an endangered species.
  • The project took place in the Florida Keys.
  • The conservation effort lasted for 12 nights.
  • The aquarium characterized this as potentially one of the largest collaborative coral conservation efforts in Florida history.

Who's Mentioned

locationApollo Beach“Location of the Coral Conservation and Research Center.”organizationThe Florida Aquarium“Lead organization for the coral conservation project.”locationFlorida Keys“Site of the coral egg and sperm collection.”organizationThe Reef Institute“Recipient of coral larvae for rearing.”otherElkhorn coral“The endangered species targeted for conservation.”organizationMote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium“Recipient of coral larvae for rearing.”organizationUniversity of Miami“Recipient of coral larvae for rearing.”