Off Florida, Corals Grow On... Telegraph Poles?
If a branch of a coral reef breaks off, it can grow into a new reef. The principle is used by scientists to grow new coral reefs to help endangered reefs. Small fragments of coral are placed on tree-like structures, which are tethered to the ocean floor off Florida, US. After 6-9 months, the fragments have grown large enough to be removed from the trees and ”glued” to coral reefs, which are under restoration. In perfect conditions, coral grows very quickly, and it may be possible to save some reefs.