Coral Trait Database To Help Researchers Save Corals

This Leiopathes coral is estimated at more than 4,200 years old. (Credit: NOAA)

Scientists need access to a great deal of data to make decisions, and they need it in a timely manner. This is especially true for researchers who study sensitive species like coral.

Coral reefs are in crisis all over the globe, and scientists need the best information possible if they hope to help rescue such delicate, sensitive marine creatures. Now, researchers announce a Coral Trait Database, the first of its kind, accessible to the scientific community worldwide, according to the ARC Centre of Excellence in Coral Reef Studies.

Thousands of hours of research by a team of dedicated scientists resulted in the database. The data, some dating back to the 19th century, had never been gathered before into a single, accessible place. Many of the documents had previously been available only to a small number of “elite” researchers.

Having such a large amount of coral information available to all researchers is expected to save a great deal of time, money and effort for coral reef scientists working around the world. Coral researchers will be able to determine which coral are most vulnerable, helping them to better allocate resources.

Top image: This Leiopathes coral is estimated at more than 4,200 years old. (Credit: NOAA)