Super Coral is the Solution

University researchers have been identifying heat resilient Super Coral colonies that are best able to withstand environmental stress, have naturally adapted and can pass this trait on through reproduction.

In essence, scientists are artificially selecting for more tolerant coral and creating Super Coral nurseries.

The goal is to introduce into the ocean enough heat-tolerant coral that can survive harsh environmental conditions, including extreme thermal bleaching events. Many scientists believe Super Coral may potentially form functional sustainable reefs and may possibly stop the decline of the coral reef ecosystem.

Further research is needed to understand how Super Coral can function as a productive reef and support the many thousands of species that call reefs their home.

MSC Foundation and partners are establishing a unique joint coral reef program aiming to rebuild the reefs and help them cope with climate change at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Ocean Cay is MSC Cruises' new 64-square-mile marine protected private island. Ocean Cay will become a base for marine biologists to conduct scientific research into coral restoration and Super Coral.

Global, regional, and local partners, including the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (UM), Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the Perry Institute for Marine Science, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), among other partners, are pooling expertise to deliver and document the unique program, and share the scientific knowledge gathered

Learning opportunities about coral will be provided in the future for up to half a million visitors each year.