The Florida Aquarium and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Species Survival Commission (IUCN) have joined forces to set up a worldwide centre with the aim of accelerating coral conservation.
This is the first Centre for Species Survival specifically dedicated to protecting corals and reef ecosystems from extinction. It will serve the work of the IUCN's Coral Specialist Group - which engages voluntary experts worldwide.
The group is co-chaired by Dr Francoise Cabada-Blanco , a Senior Lecturer in Tropical Marine Ecology at the University of Portsmouth and Dr David Obura director of CORDIO East Africa and chair of the IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
Dr Cabada-Blanco, from the University's School of the Environment and Life Sciences , said: "This centre will play a critical role in enabling timely, science-based action to protect coral species and reefs across the globe. With the combined strength of the IUCN SSC, our expert members, and The Florida Aquarium, we aim to expand our work, complete any gaps in information, align global conservation priorities, and support on-the- ground impact."
Coral reefs, often described as the "rainforests of the sea," are among the most diverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth. They provide homes for more than 25 per cent of marine species, act as natural storm barriers to protect coastal communities, and sustain the livelihoods of millions worldwide through tourism, fishing, and recreation. Yet, rising ocean temperatures, disease, and pollution are pushing many coral species to the brink of extinction.
Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium, said: "Becoming the first Centre for coral conservation is both an extraordinary honour and a profound responsibility. This designation is about action and accelerating solutions. By working together with IUCN SSC, the Coral Specialist Group, and partners worldwide, we are committed to ensuring coral species, whether in Florida, the Great Barrier Reef, the Middle East or any part of our planet, do not become extinct."
"IUCN SSC and the Coral Specialist Group are proud to partner with The Florida Aquarium to launch the first Centre for Species Survival for Corals," added David Obura, Chair of the IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group. "This initiative will amplify coral conservation globally and bring us closer to reversing the decline of one of the earth's most vital ecosystems."
Why this matters for corals
The Centre for Species Survival Corals (CSS Corals) will give corals their best chance at survival through global efforts in assessment, planning, and action through four key areas:
- Bringing experts together: The global hub will create impactful partnerships between conservation organisations like The Florida Aquarium and the Species Survival Commission.
- Focusing on the biggest needs: As the IUCN Red List Authority for corals, the Coral Specialist Group will assess which species and reefs are most at risk, identify threats, guide conservation priorities, and help determine effective restoration practices. Their findings will help inform policymakers and advance conservation efforts.
- Accelerating solutions: The Florida Aquarium, internationally recognised for its ground-breaking work in coral reproduction and rearing, understands the vital role corals play in maintaining healthy oceans. By establishing a centrally coordinated centre for corals, it aims to enhance the impact of coral conservation efforts by experts from around the world.
- Turning science into action: A full-time Species Survival Officer will lead efforts to transform cutting-edge research into actionable steps for communities and governments. This role within The Florida Aquarium will work directly with the Coral Specialist Group to focus on assessing extinction risk, promoting recovery and threat reduction, guiding conservation planning, and facilitating implementation of actions to protect more than 2,500 coral species worldwide.
The Florida Aquarium's Coral Conservation Program is a world-renowned leader in coral reproduction and restoration. Some of its ground-breaking achievements include spawning Atlantic pillar coral , a critically endangered species, in a lab for the first time, reproducing ridged cactus coral in human care, producing and outplanting "Flonduran" coral babies - the first crossbreed between Florida and Honduras elkhorn corals, and successfully spawning elkhorn coral that produced offspring in a lab setting. Additionally, it has a dedicated staff and a 9,000 square foot Coral Conservation and Research Centre in Apollo Beach, Florida.
