The “blizzard” makes it more likely that fertilization will occur. The gametes, full of fatty substances called lipids, rise slowly to the ocean surface, where the process of fertilization begins. When a coral egg and sperm join together as an embryo, they develop into a coral larva, called a planula.

Along many reefs, spawning occurs as a mass synchronized event, when all the coral species in an area release their eggs and sperm at about the same time. The timing of a broadcast spawning event is very important because males and female corals cannot move into reproductive contact with each other.

This tutorial is an overview of the biology of and threats to coral reefs, as well as efforts being made to conserve and protect them. It includes images, animations, and videos. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

In the first segment of this video, a coral head releases male gametophytes (sperm) into the water column, creating a whitish cloud. Look carefully at the early stages of this video clip to see individual polyps simultaneously releasing distinct streams of sperm.

Education and Outreach Information and Modules: NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Coral Health and Monitoring Program offers a wide range of resources on topics ranging from coral spawning, bleaching, and …

2024年6月16日 · Threats to coral reefs: Overfishing. Coral reef fish are a significant food source for over billion people worldwide. Many coastal and island communities depend on coral reef fisheries for their economic, social, and culture benefits. But too much of …

Coral bleaching is of particular concern today as our climate changes and temperatures rise. Corals are sessile, which means that they permanently attach themselves to the ocean floor, essentially "taking root" like most plants do.

2024年6月16日 · Climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems. Scientific evidence now clearly indicates that the Earth's atmosphere and ocean are warming, and that these changes are primarily due to greenhouse gases derived from human activities.

What is coral spawning? Sea surface temperature provides fundamental information on the global climate system. Because the ocean covers 71 percent of Earth's surface, scientists record sea surface temperature (SST) to understand how the ocean communicates with Earth's atmosphere.

While the sanctuary is best known for fantastic coral reefs, it also hosts thriving coral habitats in deeper waters — explore these wonderful mesophotic ("twilight" zone) communities.