In Effort to Replenish Reefs, ‘Pied Piper’ Scientists Lure Coral Larvae

In what could prove a breakthrough, researchers have succeeded in using recorded sound to enhance the chances of coral larvae making their home on struggling coral reefs in need of new life.

With the world’s coral reef system rapidly declining, the study creates some hope that human intervention could aid restoration.

The first-time experiment was conducted in the waters off St. John’s southside in 2022 by a group of researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Results were published last week in Royal Society Open Science.

Woods Hole marine scientists have been actively studying St. John’s coral reefs for many years.