The World Coral Conservatory (WCC) has launched a pioneering global biobank to preserve coral species in response to the accelerating degradation of reefs. This article reports on the first coral collection mission at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, conducted during the Monaco Explorations Indian Ocean expedition in October 2022. Fifty-eight colonies representing 21 species were successfully collected, transported, and distributed among European aquariums. We detail the methodologies for coral collection, transport, and maintenance in tanks, ensuring genetic diversity and coral health preservation. Follow-up after arrival showed an 88% survival rate over 18 months, despite challenges such as bleaching and bacterial infections. The success of this mission confirms the feasibility of long-term coral conservation in aquariums and paves the way for future expeditions and advanced genetic research.
Introduction
Coral reef conservation has become a global priority in response to the rapid degradation of these ecosystems caused by climate change and human pressures (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2023). Coral reefs, which host unique marine biodiversity, are severely threatened by rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and widespread bleaching events. These threats have led to the disappearance of many coral species, highlighting the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies.
The World Coral Conservatory (WCC) was established as a global network dedicated to ex situ conservation of coral species. This initiative is led by the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, and the Scientific Centre of Monaco, in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Leveraging public aquariums worldwide, the WCC aims to maintain and propagate various coral species. This initiative integrates science, conservation, education, and reef management to preserve coral biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support reef restoration efforts (Zoccola et al., 2020).
At the heart of the WCC’s mission is the use of advanced techniques such as assisted evolution, cryopreservation, and controlled breeding. These methods are designed to preserve the genetic diversity of coral species and develop corals more resistant to future environmental changes. By creating a « Noah’s Ark » for corals, the WCC not only focuses on preservation but also provides a platform for research and protection of coral species facing rapidly changing ecological conditions.
The WCC represents a global and innovative effort to counter climate change impacts on marine ecosystems by focusing on the long-term conservation of coral species. Through international collaboration and scientific expertise, the WCC is poised to make a significant contribution to coral biodiversity preservation, ensuring these ecosystems can adapt to future environmental challenges.
The inaugural coral collection mission of the World Coral Conservatory took place at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles, as part of the Monaco Explorations Indian Ocean expedition in October 2022. Conducted in collaboration with the Seychelles Island Foundation, the mission aimed to collect 27 different coral species, prioritizing multiple specimens to maximize genetic diversity and resilience. This article presents the protocols used throughout the process, from coral colony selection to transport and acclimation in public aquariums across Europe.
Following the expedition, the collected corals were successfully delivered to four European public aquariums: Burgers’ Zoo in Arnhem (Netherlands), Nausicaa in Boulogne-sur-Mer (France), Océanopolis in Brest (France), and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco (Monaco). These facilities will play a key role in coral maintenance, enabling continued research, education, propagation, and conservation activities as part of the broader WCC mission.
Excerpt from Section: Coral Collection Process
Based on studies by Stoddart (1984) and Stobart et al. (2002, 2005), the collection mission initially targeted ten coral genera covering 27 species on the west side of Aldabra Atoll. The team consisted of five specialized divers: a coral taxonomist responsible for species identification, two aquarists ensuring coral health from collection to shipment, a photographer/videographer documenting the entire process, and a biologist managing logistics and molecular sampling.
Coral Collection on the Reef
As described in section 1.1, the goal was to collect 80 colonies across 27 species. However, difficulties in locating some targeted species resulted in the collection of 58 colonies representing 21 species. Table 2 provides detailed data for each colony collected, including environmental and health information. Photographs were taken from different angles to document colony health and their collection site environment.
Discussion
Nearly two years after the WCC’s first coral collection trip, several positive outcomes have emerged. High survival rates of collected corals, significant growth observed in most original colonies, successful production and exchange of fragments between partner institutions, and regular, effective sharing of data and experiences among technical teams all attest to the success of the Aldabra collection mission organized during the Monaco Explorations expedition.
Conclusion and Perspectives
This pilot project demonstrates the potential and success of increasing the number of coral species and genotypes with well-documented origins within an ex situ conservation framework. The successful collection and maintenance of corals in aquariums lay the groundwork for further scientific research, and future expeditions will build upon this foundation.
A comprehensive genetic analysis is planned, integrating metatranscriptomics, metagenomics, and 16S and ITS2 sequencing, as indicated.
CRediT Authorship Contribution Statement
Bruno Piguet: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Christophe Cavelli: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Silvia Vimercati: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Renaud Herbert: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Nienke Kleks: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Maureen Midol: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Didier Zoccola: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Declaration of Competing Interests
☒ The authors declare the following financial/personal relationships that may be considered as potential competing interests: Olivier Brunel reports financial support, article publication fees, and travel costs provided by Monaco Explorations. Other authors declare no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this article.
Acknowledgements
This collection trip was conducted as part of the Indian Ocean 2022 Expedition coordinated by Monaco Explorations – www.monacoexplorations.org. Organizing such a mission independently would have been an incredible challenge, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this larger expedition, which has been invaluable for our project. Nothing would have been possible without the precious collaboration and prior exchanges with the Seychelles Island Foundation.
