In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Coral Restoration Foundation joined forces with Professor Andrea G. Grottoli from The Ohio State University to unveil a revolutionary tool for coral reef restoration: the Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA). This innovative device, developed by scientists at The Ohio State University, promises to revolutionize the restoration efforts by providing a sustainable solution to promote more feeding sources for coral reefs.
The UZELA is a submersible, programmable light that can be deployed at a restoration site for up to six months on a single battery. Trained divers can easily handle any maintenance required, ensuring the device’s longevity and effectiveness. Emitting light for approximately one hour per night, the UZELA significantly increases concentrations of zooplankton while minimizing disruption to other marine species due to artificial light. This creates more feeding opportunities for corals, ultimately aiding in their recovery and growth.
The device was put to the test near two native coral species in Hawaii, Montipora capitata and Porites compressa. Following the deployment of the UZELA, the concentration of zooplankton in the vicinity increased seven-fold, leading to a remarkable 10- to 50-fold increase in coral feeding rates. These promising results were documented and published in the prestigious journal Limnology and Oceanography: Methods.
Lead author of the study, Professor Andrea G. Grottoli, emphasized the critical role that coral reefs play in maintaining ocean health. “Coral reefs house one-third of all marine species, yet occupy less than 1% of the ocean,” she stated. “They are disproportionately responsible for ocean health, and we’re at risk of losing them.” The urgency of the situation stems from the ongoing threat of extreme heat stress, which has led to a significant decline in coral populations worldwide.
Recent reports from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have highlighted the dire state of coral reefs, with approximately 60.5% of global corals experiencing bleaching events due to rising water temperatures. Coral bleaching leaves corals vulnerable to disease and die-off, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to support their recovery.
While the UZELA presents a promising temporary solution to the challenges faced by coral reefs, Professor Grottoli acknowledged that more substantial actions are required to combat the root causes of coral bleaching. The device, described as a “band-aid for a couple of decades,” offers a lifeline for vulnerable coral populations while larger-scale initiatives are developed to address climate change and other stressors affecting reef ecosystems.
Looking ahead, the scientists behind UZELA are collaborating with a local engineering company to redesign the device for scalability. This updated version of the UZELA could be available within the next one to three years, offering a more efficient and widespread solution for coral reef restoration efforts. As Professor Grottoli aptly summarized, “We are not mitigating climate change fast enough to save coral, and UZELA is not a quick fix. But it is a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for our oceans.”
In conclusion, the UZELA represents a beacon of hope for coral reefs in distress, providing a tangible solution to support their recovery and resilience in the face of mounting environmental challenges. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights from EcoWatch as we continue to follow this groundbreaking development in coral reef restoration.
