The breakthrough happened earlier this month at the Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation.

TAMPA, Fla. — Another worldwide first for the Florida Aquarium and the news comes on Earth Day!

Scientists at the aquarium say they have successfully reproduced ridged cactus coral under human care. The breakthrough happened earlier this month at the Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation.

“Our resolve to save Florida’s endangered coral reefs continues, and this historic breakthrough by our coral experts, our second in eight months, provides additional hope for the future of all coral reefs in our backyard and around the globe,” said Roger Germann, President and CEO of The Florida Aquarium. “While our Aquarium remains temporarily closed to the public as we support our community’s wellbeing efforts, not even a global pandemic can slow us down when it comes to protecting and restoring America’s ‘great’ barrier reef.”

The reproduction process for this coral has never been documented before.

In August 2019, the aquarium announced a massive breakthrough when they became the first in the world to get Atlantic Ocean coral to spawn in a controlled laboratory environment.

What other people are reading right now:

