UPY 2025

UPY  Save our Seas Foundation Marine Conservation - Highly Commended
'Awaiting Spawning'
Dan Mele

"Reproductively extinct" is an increasingly common term in coral restoration research. It describes coral species with so few survivors in the wild that when they spawn, the chances of sperm from one colony fertilizing eggs from another are almost nonexistent. To address this, researchers at the University of the Virgin Islands bring grooved brain corals (Diploria labyrinthiformis) into their land-based nursery ahead of predicted spawning events. By spawning them in the nursery, researchers can perform assisted fertilization, significantly increasing the number of coral recruits (baby corals) compared to what naturally occurs on the reef. This method not only boosts coral population numbers but also enhances genetic diversity, which is critical for creating corals more resilient to rapidly changing environmental conditions.

Judge's comment: An engaging composition, playing with the reflection and refraction of light, draws us in to want to find out more. It is sad to learn coral populations have become so sparse they cannot reproduce effectively without this help.

Alex Mustard