A NEW SEXUAL REVOLUTION

This video shows Atlantic pillar coral spawning. Spawning occurs when corals release eggs and sperm into the water.

So, what does this have to do with a new sexual revolution? And, why should you care?

A sexual revolution, defined as “changes in attitudes toward sex”, is what we will need if we have any hope to #savethereef!

#DYK

  • Corals are animals!  They eat, poop and reproduce too!
  • More than half of the oxygen you breathe comes from the ocean!  Healthy oceans are important to everyone- even if you do not live anywhere near the water!
  • Healthy and resilient coral reefs safeguard our shorelines against extreme weather and erosion.
  • Fish and other marine life rely on coral reefs for habitat to grow.
  • Some medications used to combat cancer, pain and inflammation are derived from coral reef organisms and scientists believe that coral reefs may hold other medical benefit secrets just waiting to be found!
  • Tourism related to reefs in the US alone accounts for $1.1 billion annually and supports 71,000 jobs annually. (Source: https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coral)

Many species of coral spawn only once a year. All spawn on cues from the sun, moon, and water temperature; simultaneously releasing their tiny eggs and sperm, called gametes, into the ocean. The gametes rise slowly to the ocean surface, where the process of fertilization begins. (Excerpts taken from NOAA.gov)

In ideal conditions (and very simplistically put) a coral egg and sperm join together to create an embryo, which develops into a coral larva. After floating in the ocean for some time, the larva will drop to the ocean floor before attaching to the substrate and slowly grow into a new coral colony.

Today, Florida’s Coral Reef faces dire conditions!

With nearly 90% of the live corals having been lost, even when healthy corals do spawn, their nearest mate may live miles away making reproduction nearly impossible.

One solution to this problem is in a laboratory!  The Florida Aquarium has figured out how to mimic conditions on the reef to have various stony corals reproduce in our labs – and the results- lots and lots of BABIES! With the goal of raising healthy and resilient corals that will be placed on the Florida coral reef!

Learn More

You can change your attitude and help #savethereef by making incremental changes in your everyday life!

  • Decrease CO2 emissions to mitigate climate impacts to the reef- by carpooling, riding your bike or taking public transit. When its time, replace your gas-powered vehicles with hybrid or electric vehicles.
  • Decrease your own environmental impact by reducing your consumption of single use plastics. Have you thought of bringing a reusable container with you to restaurants that can be used for leftovers instead of using single-use plastic or Styrofoam containers
  • Vote for policy makers who support positive environmental change
  • Support the Florida Aquarium and their coral conservation program,
  • Bring your own expertise to the table and join the movement

Talk about ocean health. Remind others of ocean health. Work together to be the change.

Be part of the new sexual revolution!