The Threatened Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata)

From National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

How does this ocean garden grow? For elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), tiny fragments are grown in the underwater nurseries shown here until they are ready to be “planted” on existing coral reefs near Guanica, Puerto Rico, to help restore vulnerable populations of this threatened species. 
See more at http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/restoration/approaches/corals.html NOAA Fisheries Service

Photo: Courtesy of Hector Ruiz 




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