Conserving Coral

Coral reefs are one of the many beauties of the Earth, yet they have been drastically depleted over the years in order to create coral based jewelry and home décor. Coral, which provides homes for fishes as well as provides medicinal compounds that are lifesaving, are fighting to remain healthy and plentiful. A long-term survival campaign has been created by a group of scientists, jewelers, and ocean conservationists who are dedicated to protecting coral. SeaWeb, an ocean-conservation group has created “Too Precious to Wear”, a campaign theme devoted to decreasing the coral trade. Environmental advocate and filmmaker Celine Cousteau places her focus and voice on promoting the benefits of conserving these precious animals. Jewelers such as, Temple St. Clair and Michael Kowalski abide by a “no coral” policy when it comes to their jewelry making. Scientists are working to find ways for coral to thrive and grow with global climate change and our growing ecological footprint. All of these people are fighting to save coral because our oceans are so valuable and we must help sustain the web of life that occurs within it.

Underwater Garden

For Mike Suchy, aquarist at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, gardening is a passion. His love for growing things and strong interest in coral reefs spawned a new project: a coral propagation and holding system within the aquarium.

By snipping fragments of existing coral, mounting it on small disks, and submerging it under water with a light source, Suchy has begun to “grow” coral. “It’s much like taking a cutting from a plant and potting it to grow more,” says Suchy. Growth rates vary depending on variety, but tend to be slow, sometimes only a few inches per year. Temperature, pH, and salinity are kept constant. A moving light hangs above the tank. “A moving light source is more natural and light is of paramount importance to corals,” explains Suchy. Reef-building corals contain symbiotic algae within their tissues that convert light energy into a food source, which helps provide sustenance for the coral colony.

Mike Suchy has a degree in biology from University of Nebraska. He has been at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher for 15 years.