Signs of Hope: Over 236,000 Coral Larvae Produced in Bonaire Spawning Event
In the face of widespread coral bleaching and marine disease, the recent success of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) offers a powerful reminder that restoration efforts are making an impact. In May 2025, RRFB’s science team successfully bred over 236,000 grooved brain coral larvae after observing a rare and critical coral spawning event across four sites on the island of Bonaire.
RRFB Science Officer Sanne Tuijten counts coral embryos in petri dishes to estimate fertilization success. (Photo courtesy of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire)
RRFB Chief Operating Officer Ernst Noyons checks on mixtures of coral sperm and egg during the fertilization process. (Photo courtesy of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire)
A Major Win for Coral Restoration
On a Friday night in May, 14 colonies of grooved brain coral released their gametes in synchrony. With careful coordination and expert handling, RRFB scientists collected and fertilized the eggs and sperm in a temporary land-based lab, resulting in over 236,000 genetically unique coral larvae.
This effort marks the first spawning event of the year for the RRFB team and reflects the growing importance of assisted coral reproduction in the fight to restore the world’s reefs.
Why Coral Spawning Matters
Natural coral reproduction has become increasingly rare due to bleaching events, diseases like Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), and widespread population decline. Many coral colonies are now so far apart they can no longer reproduce effectively in the wild.
By facilitating fertilization in controlled settings, conservationists are overcoming one of the biggest barriers to coral survival: Ensuring that genetic diversity is preserved and propagated, which is vital for species resilience.
Freshly collected bundles of sperm and egg from 14 colonies of grooved brain coral across 4 sites on Bonaire. (Photo courtesy of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire)
A Boost to Genetic Diversity and Heat Resilience
Research supports the power of coral breeding. A recent study found that assisted coral recruits show high thermal tolerance to extreme heat events like the 2023 Caribbean mass bleaching event¹. That means the coral larvae produced during this spawning are not only diverse but potentially more resilient to rising ocean temperatures.
With each successful spawning, RRFB is building a healthier reef system!
Supported by a Global Network
This coral breeding milestone was made possible through collaboration with SECORE International, and support from Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire (OLB) and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) through the Nos ta Biba di Naturalesa project.
The work proof of how scientific innovation, international partnerships, and local dedication can create real change in the world, especially marine ecosystems.
Why this Matter to the NAUI Dive Family?
At NAUI, we believe education and conservation go hand in hand. This success story from Bonaire is more than just good news for our oceans, but is also a call to action. As professional divers, recreational divers, and advocates for the ocean, we have a unique role to play in supporting reef restoration efforts by participating in local projects, educating others, or simply ensure you are following sustainable dive practices.
Want to get involved in coral conservation?
Explore our NAUI Events Page for upcoming coral or ocean conservation projects looking for volunteers! Are you looking for volunteers for Coral Restoration or Beach clean ups by clicking here.
📸 PHOTO GALLERY
RRFB has provided stunning high-resolution images of this event, from gamete collection to larvae settlement.
Sources and Credits
-
Miller, M. W., et al. (2024). Assisted sexual coral recruits show high thermal tolerance to the 2023 Caribbean mass bleaching event. PLOS ONE, 19(9), e0309719. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309719
This article is adapted with permission from the original press release issued by Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire. For more information, visit www.reefrenewalbonaire.org.
