Delta Environmental and Educational Foundation today(5th) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for international collaboration on heat-resilient coral research with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in the United States, the Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium and the Museum of Marine Science and Technology.
Mote serves as a leader for science-based marine conservation policy in the United States, holding a world-leading position in scientific research for coral restoration, among 25 other research programs. The Delta's coral restoration project aims to restore ten thousand corals over three years through continued efforts in propagation and breeding.
Ms. Shan-Shan Guo, Executive Director of the Delta Environmental and Educational Foundation, stated, "Global sea temperatures have been hitting record highs nearly every day for a year now, posing a significant threat to coral survival worldwide. The Delta Foundation sent representatives to Mote last year to observe their coral bleaching rescue mechanism. We are honored to officially collaborate with Mote this year and will provide funding to support researchers of two museums. Additionally, we will send volunteers from Delta's coral restoration project to the United States for exchange and learning. We hope that by enhancing coral bleaching early warning and rescue mechanisms, we can better prepare for the next coral bleaching event."
Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Mote President & CEO, expressed, "We are delighted to have Delta Foundation as an international partner in the coral restoration project. Through the Foundation's initiatives and exchanges with researchers from two museums, we collaboratively expand a comprehensive understanding of heat-resilient coral cultivation achievements. We will apply research and practical experience to our respective restoration areas to address rising ocean temperature by enhancing coral resilience to extreme climate events."
Located in Florida, USA, and conducting research around the world, Mote Marine Laboratory has a nearly seventy-year history and boasts a team of over 40 doctoral-level researchers and more than 300 employees. It has been recognized as one of the premier marine research institutions in the United States, distinguished for its world-class research capacity and science education programs. The Mote team has successfully restored over 220,000 corals over the years within its Coral Reef Restoration & Research Program.
Delta Coral Restoration was launched in 2021. Building upon professional research, Delta has leveraged its own automation technology, equipment, and corporate volunteers to contribute to heat-resilient coral research and conservation efforts. In collaboration with the Museum of Marine Science and Technology, the Delta Foundation has established a coral conservation center, targeting endangered coral species recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Delta also collaborates with the Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium to establish an underwater heat-resilient coral nursery. The nursery focuses on the transplantation of Pocillopora Acuta, a species tested to meet international thermotolerance standards. Trained and assessed Delta coral restoration volunteers are responsible for monitoring and maintenance, preparing for the next marine heatwave event.
