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Coral Biobank Alliance members are working collaboratively to share and standardize methods used to preserve coral genetic diversity for conservation and restoration. Currently, the methods used by our members include sampling, preserving, storing, studying, and restoring coral genetic diversity using three types of biorepositories. Biorepository data for all samples should be held in integrated coral database systems, allowing for parallel and iterative uses of genotypes and samples across biorepository types. Where appropriate, corals should be collected following a free, prior, and informed consent process.
Colony identification
Coral collection from reefs
With appropriate government permits
- Microbiome samples
- GPS
- Tagging
- Photographing
- Measurements
- Ensuring there is enough biomass for holding/sampling
Transportation
- Long distance shipping of coral colonies
Quarantine
Coral health and growth monitoring
- Health checks
- Water quality and parameters
Live biorepository maintenance and husbandry
- Coral colony maintenance in breeding systems, including in remote areas
- Ex-situ coral conservation through preserving living coral biodiversity in state-of-the-art ex situ “coral ark” facilities
- Microfragmentation
- Vet care
- Targeting resilient broodstock: Integrating corals that are more resistant to known stressors than other genotypes in addition to facilitating and promoting genetic diversity
Sampling
Genomics
- Genetics:
- Metatranscriptomics
- Metagenomics,16S (microbiome)
- Genetic management planning
Database management
Cryopreservation
- Cryopreservation of coral sperm so they can be used later for breeding or genetic studies
- Ex situ reproduction with sperm
- Long term banking
Breeding
- Collecting gametes from broodstock and combining them in different genetic crosses with the goal of fostering species resilience with hundreds to thousands of diverse offspring
Outplanting
