{"id":36727,"date":"2024-03-14T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/8894078b-e9f4-4a6e-8c56-bcde5278d71e"},"modified":"2024-03-14T02:35:42","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T01:35:42","slug":"watch-astonishing-explosion-of-life-coral-spawning-in-cambodia-stuns-scientists","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/watch-astonishing-explosion-of-life-coral-spawning-in-cambodia-stuns-scientists\/","title":{"rendered":"Watch: Astonishing \u2018explosion of life\u2019 coral spawning in Cambodia stuns scientists"},"content":{"rendered":"

Conservationists witness (and film) a synchronised mass coral reef spawning for the first time in Cambodian waters. <\/p>

By BBC Wildlife Magazine\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 14 March 2024 at 01:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

A mass coral reef spawning event has been observed in Cambodian waters for the very first time. The incredible phenomenon, captured in a series of mesmerising videos, demonstrates that coral in the area remains healthy despite challenging conditions, say marine scientists. <\/p>

The spawning event – which researchers say could help inform future conservation efforts \u2013 was observed and filmed by\u00a0Fauna & Flora<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Cambodia team, alongside partners including Song Saa Foundation<\/a>, Bubbles Up! Dive Centre<\/a> and Cambodia\u2019s Fisheries Administration and Ministry of Environment, with advice from Dr Rahul Mehrotra and Aow Thai Marine Ecology Center<\/a>.<\/p>

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Life in slow motion: watch the moment the corals start to spawn. Credit: Sorn Srenh, Koh Sdach Community Fishery<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Coral spawning, or coral reproduction, is one of nature’s great spectacles. It usually occurs once a year and marks the moment when whole colonies of coral reefs<\/a> release their sperm and eggs simultaneously, with some events lasting over an hour.<\/p>
The nature of Cambodian coral reefs means they experience high sedimentation, as well as significant variations in temperature between the wet and dry seasons. The mass spawning event proves that reefs around the Cambodian coastline have not been severely affected by climate change, which can prevent reproduction, say scientists involved in the study. This therefore makes the reefs an important\u00a0habitat\u00a0for thermally tolerant corals that can seed\u00a0other reefs elsewhere in the Gulf of Thailand.<\/p>
Mass spawning events can last anything from a few minutes to over an hour. Credit: Matt Glue, Fauna & Flora<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u201cWhat a spectacular event to witness along our coastline,” says Matt Glue, Fauna & Flora\u2019s Marine Technical Specialist in Cambodia.<\/p>
“It was like an explosion of life as the reef released thousands of eggs \u2013 spreading as far as the eye could see.”<\/p>
\u201cCoral reefs provide a crucial habitat for marine life, as well as vital ecosystem services through tourism and fisheries that coastal communities in Cambodia rely on. It is therefore enormously reassuring to see the coral here remains healthy, and this sighting will help\u00a0to improve our knowledge of coral reproduction in the Gulf of Thailand.\u201d<\/p>
“Mass spawning is like snow, except instead of falling it moves up slowly,” says Chantha Chroeng, a Marine Species & Ecosystems Officer at Fauna & Flora. Credit: Matt Glue, Fauna & Flora<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Chantha Chroeng, a Marine Species & Ecosystems Officer at Fauna & Flora, says: \u201cIt is difficult to explain, but the mass spawning is like snow, except instead of falling it moves up slowly, slowly. It is a wonderful spectacle.\u201d<\/p>
Sorn Srenh, Deputy Chief of Koh Sdach Commune, adds: \u201cCoral spawning is truly captivating, and it has left a lasting impact on my soul. When corals spawn, it is a sign that they are flourishing and that the environmental conditions are conducive to their survival and growth.\u201d<\/p>
\u201cCoral reefs provide a crucial habitat for marine life, as well as vital ecosystem services through tourism and fisheries,” says Matt Glue, Fauna & Flora\u2019s Marine Technical Specialist in Cambodia. Credit: Matt Glue, Fauna & Flora<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Fauna & Flora is working with\u00a0the Cambodian Fisheries Administration and Ministry of Environment and\u00a0local NGOs to protect marine and coastal ecosystems in the area. The work<\/a> includes biodiversity research, marine protected area development and the restoration of mangrove forests.<\/p>
Fauna & Flora and its partners are also engaging with local communities along the Cambodian coastline to raise awareness of the value of marine resources and develop sustainable conservation methods and livelihood activities.\u00a0<\/p>