What is the Living Coral Biobank Project?
The Living Coral Biobank project is dedicated to taking action today to
save the world’s corals for tomorrow. It is the embodiment of the shared
vision of an exceptional group of individuals and organisations with a
single purpose: to collect living specimens of the world’s coral
species and preserve them in a living ‘coral ark’, creating a true
legacy for future generations, and a repository of live fragments,
tissues samples and genetic material to aid in reef research and
restoration efforts worldwide.
Why do we need a biobank?
“With every coral bleaching event, we are losing the most vulnerable
corals and coral reefs - with three mass bleaching events in just five
years on the Great Barrier Reef, and over 50% of corals gone in the last
few decades, we don’t have a moment to lose” Dr Dean Miller, Managing
Director of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, and project Director.
How can I help?
Everyone can be part of this exciting project. From adopting a coral
fragment to sponsoring a holding tank or even coming out on a collecting
expedition!
Living Coral Biobank project Timeline
Collect and maintain 800 all species of hard coral
Full Living Coral Biobank facility built
Completion
Collect and maintain 50% of GBR corals - 200 species
Secure funding for Stage 2
Secure Living Coral Biobank board
First coral collection - 35 species
Beginning
Concept drawings for Living Coral Biobank facility launched
Business case prepared
First holding tank donated
COVID
Project Partners secured
• Traditional Owners
• Research Institutes
• Industry experts
• Local government
• Local businesses
Project Launch
"Search for Biodiversity" expedition to select collection sites
Seed funding secured
Concept — Complete
A Great Barrier Reef Legacy Project
Great Barrier Reef Legacy is a not-for-profit organisation created to address the urgent need to secure the long-term survival of the Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs world-wide. Built on over 35 years of expedition, tourism and research experience, we deliver groundbreaking projects, innovative science, education and public engagement to accelerate actions vital to the preservation of coral reef. Through public, private and corporate funding, Great Barrier Reef Legacy brings together the best scientific minds, talented educators and inspired multimedia specialists to create positive and lasting outcomes for our environment.