UP MSI to Establish PH's First Coral Cryobank Facility for Coral Restoration

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Coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the sea," are vital ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from climate change and human activities. The Philippines, a country at the heart of marine biodiversity, is now home to a new, dramatic effort to save its coral reefs from the brink. The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) is establishing the nation's very first coral larvae cryobank facility, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting coral restoration.

This project is not a solitary effort but part of a larger regional collaboration. Dubbed "Coral Conservation Capacity Development in the Coral Triangle: A Cryorepository Network for Coral Larvae," this initiative unites research institutions from the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Together, they are creating the first-ever network of coral larval cryobanks in the Coral Triangle, a region renowned for its rich marine life.

At the heart of the Philippine team is Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez, the lead researcher from the Interactions of Marine Bionts and Benthic Ecosystems Laboratory (IMBIBE). Dr. Baria-Rodriguez emphasizes the long-term vision of this endeavor: "It's not just about preserving corals today, it's about building a foundation for future research and reef restoration that can benefit generations to come". Her laboratory's mission is to strengthen the country's ability to protect its coral biodiversity.

The project's initial focus is on pocilloporid corals, which are known for their fast growth and quick reproductive cycles. These "weedy species" are often the first to recolonize damaged reefs, making them crucial for accelerating reef recovery. However, their sensitivity to climate stress, such as coral bleaching, threatens their long-term survival.

The cryopreservation process involves collecting larvae from hatchery-monitored pocilloporid colonies and storing them in liquid nitrogen for future use in restoration efforts. To prepare for this monumental task, a capacity-building training session on cryopreservation techniques like vitrification and cryobanking was held in December 2024 at the UP MSI Bolinao Marine Laboratory. The training, led by Dr. Chiahsin Lin from Taiwan's National Dong Hwa University and the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA), equipped the IMBIBE lab's research assistants with essential skills. A follow-up training was conducted in February 2025 at the NMMBA to further enhance technical skills and regional cooperation.

One of the research assistants, Ryan Carl De Juan, has already achieved a significant milestone, successfully cryopreserving early-stage coral larvae during initial trials. The team is now working to increase the number of cryopreserved larvae from various target coral species. The ultimate goal is for the IMBIBE laboratory to establish the first coral larval cryobank at the Bolinao Marine Laboratory, led by Dr. Baria-Rodriguez.

This project extends beyond pocilloporid corals. The team plans to adapt cryopreservation protocols for other coral species and develop advanced tools, including a fourth-generation laser-assisted warming device and cryojig system. This ambitious undertaking is a race against time, a desperate bid to preserve the genetic heritage of the Philippines' coral reefs before it's too late. The establishment of this cryobank is not just a scientific achievement; it is a beacon of hope for the future of the oceans, a tangible step toward ensuring that these vital ecosystems can be restored for generations to come.

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