Can the coral reefs be saved? Marine biologist Mary Hagedorn of the Smithsonian Institute in the United States is developing an innovative conservation technique that harnesses human in vitro fertilisation techniques, fishing nets and kayaks.

The world’s coral reefs could become extinct within the next 50 years as the oceans become warmer and more acidified. Local fishing and farming methods in many parts of the world also add to the threats to the health of the reef. Without coral reefs the worlds fish stocks will fall which will have economic and social consequences.

In order to save genetic material for future generations Mary Hagedorn tells Claudia Hammond about progress in cryopreservation for coral sperm, eggs and embryos and the challenges in reseeding the ocean, and the possibility of storing the coral bank in space.

(Photo: Coral. Credit: Rebecca Spindler) Show less