A marine species has always been considered valuable in the entire Mediterranean Basin, until it became vulnerable in more recent times. Its unique structure has been converted in jewel and ornaments since the prehistory, thus overexploited by humans, keeping a veil of mistery with reference to its nature. The Red Coral (Corallium Rubrun) is an emblematic living being that participates in the formation of a unique ecosystem, the Coralligene, capable of combating the adverse effects of climate change and ocean acidification. In order to preserve it, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (Science Centre of Monaco) and the Oceanographic Observatory of Banyuls-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales) have joined forces to develop a scientific programme on Conservation Biology.
This initiative, sponsored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is carried out in the framework of a partnership between the Unité de Recherche sur la Biologie des Coraux Précieux CSM-Chanel1 (Research Unit on the Biology of Precious Corals CSM-Chanel1), conceived by the most popular Chanel House and the Laboratoire d’Écogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques - (LECOB)2 (Laboratory for Ecogeochemistry of Benthic Environments). This ambitious project involves skilled scientists led by Dr Sylvie Tambutté and Christine Ferrier-Pagès.
In July 2021, six concrete coral caves of 1 m3 each were designed and immersed at 40 m depth in Monaco's territorial waters, in order to house red coral colonies and study their reproduction. About fifty male and female corals were installed under scientific observation, allowing them to find their own reproduction conditions. The same has been done in Banyuls-sur-Mer's waters, at a depth of 30 m.
Finally, about 250 new colonies have been found at the end of winter 2023. A significant increase that has never been seen before. Professor Denis Allemand, Scientific Director of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (Science Centre of Monaco) and Head of the Research Unit on the Biology of Precious Corals CSM-Chanel, highlighted: « Some plates are covered with tiny colonies, suggesting that the caves have been used to 'concentrate' the larvae while in the natural environment 99% of them die before they had the time to settle on the substrate ». Dr Stéphanie Reynaud, Research Manager at CSM and professional diver, pointed out: « The caves were placed 40 m deep, below the thermocline, which allows a cool and constant temperature throughout the year (about 15°C). Corals at this depth are therefore not subject to summer heat waves that lead to coral mortality. In addition, our caves have been equipped with a kind of hood which prevents the larvae to find their way in the vastness of the sea. We feel like being the parents of new recruits, we observe them periodically, measure them, take care of them! ».
Dr Lorenzo Bramanti, Research Officer for CNRS at the Benthic Environments Ecogeochemistry Laboratory of the Oceanographic Observatory of Banyuls-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales), stressed: « This underwater laboratory is essential since we are finally able to apply a scientific approach to restoration. The cave system allows us to control various parameters, as if we were in a laboratory, while maintaining coral colonies under natural conditions. It is a challenge! (...) And the discovery of baby corals born in Monaco and in the caves of Banyuls rewarded us for our efforts ».
The main mission is to implement a replicable protocol providing the best conditions for red coral reproduction and growth. This extraordinary scientific result has been recently unveiled in preview to the Steering Committee of the Research Unit for the Biology of Precious Corals CSM-Chanel, chaired by H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, and recently presented at the 43rd CIESM Congress, held in Palermo (Sicily) from the 14th to the 18th October 2024.
This initiative represents an importanrt step forward ocean preservation. Coral stocks have been overfished for years worldwide, affecting the reproductive capacity of this species that grows slowly over time (1-3 mm per year). About 350 coral reefs are set in the Mediterranean Sea, contributing to the balance of marine ecosystems.
Thus, it is crucial to develop alternative methodologies able to reproduce coral for the jewellery industry without affecting natural stocks. To deepen scientific knowledge, CHANEL and the Centre Scientifique de Monaco signed an agreement on the 27th September 2019, which led to the creation of the Research Unit for the Biology of Precious Corals. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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