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Building a cryorepository network for coral larvae in the Coral Triangle

  • Taiwan
  • Indonesia, Maluku Islands
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Capacity building
  • Coral biobanking
  • Coral cryopreservation

Credits: Chiahsin Lin

Facing a challenge

The growing threats facing coral reefs worldwide, including climate change-related thermal stress, hurricanes, and human activities such as pollution and overfishing, have led to a significant decline in coral populations over the past fifty years. Although scientists are increasingly turning to cryopreservation as a means of conserving coral species by creating cryobanks of coral cells, tissues, larvae, sperm, and endosymbionts, the lack of cryorepositories and regional hubs in Southeast Asia hampers advances in this field. Yet, this technology could play a key role in securing a future for corals, particularly for species currently at risk of disappearing.
CHALLENGE_credits Chiahsin Lin

Credits: Chiahsin Lin

With an innovative solution

This project will pioneer cryorepository networks for coral larvae in the Coral Triangle region. To do so, the team will:
  • establish cryorepositories in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines with dedicated storage facilities
  • refine protocols for coral larvae management ensuring their viability for cryopreservation
  • preserve larvae of key coral species in the cryorepositories, through innovative cryopreservation techniques (DNA processing, vitrification and laser warming)
  • digitize and standardize data collection for all cryopreserved material, linking them to national and international cryorepository databases for species identification
  • design and deploy an apparatus (cryojig and laser striking device) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the cryopreservation process
  • perform field trials to compare coral reef restoration outcomes using non-cryopreserved larvae, coral colonies from non-cryopreserved larvae, and thawed larvae from the cryorepositories
  • provide annual training in cryobanking and cryopreservation techniques for students and faculty
SOLUTION_credits Chiahsin Lin

Credits: Chiahsin Lin

What impact looks like

  • Establish the first cryorepository network for coral larvae in the Coral Triangle, creating several national hubs
  • Develop new protocols and cryopreservation devices adjustable for other researchers and practitioners in coral conservation worldwide
  • Actively contribute to coral restoration by outplanting corals and coral larvae preserved in the cryorepositories, helping to rebuild resilient reef ecosystems
  • Lead capacity-building initiatives for researchers in the region

Project Title

Coral conservation capacity development in the Coral Triangle: a cryorepository network for coral larvae

Lead applicant

Prof. Chiahsin Lin

Co-applicants

Dr. Preeyanuch Thongpoo, Prof. Gino Limmon, Dr. Jennie Lee, Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez

Countries involved

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand

Takes place

Southern Taiwan; Maluku, Indonesia; Philippines; Malaysia; and Thailand

Supporting institutions

National Dong Hwa University (Taiwan), Phuket Rajabhat University (Thailand), Pattimura University (Indonesia), University Malaysia Terengganu (Malaysia), University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines)

Total budget

USD 954,866

Duration

November 2024 – October 2027

    • Establishment of cryobanking labs in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand
    • Achieved cryopreserved coral larvae and coral symbionts for future restoration efforts
    • Trained 120+ researchers in larval banking and reef monitoring
  2. 2026
  3. 2027

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