Prince Albert II Champions Red Coral Conservation in Palermo Visit

In a significant stride towards marine conservation, Prince Albert II recently inaugurated the 43rd congress of the International Commission for Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea (CIESM) in Palermo, where he showcased the Monaco Scientific Centre's (CSM) pioneering efforts in red coral conservation. The visit highlighted the critical state of this cherished Mediterranean species, exacerbated by overexploitation and climate change effects, underscoring the importance of sustained conservation initiatives.

The CSM, in collaboration with the Oceanographic Observatory of Banyuls-sur-Mer, has achieved a notable breakthrough by successfully reproducing approximately 250 baby red corals. This milestone, supported by the Prince Albert II Foundation and financed by CHANEL, comes from a project that utilized artificial "coral caves" submerged 40 meters off the Monaco coast to simulate ideal breeding conditions. These efforts have significantly improved larval settlement rates, offering hope for the restoration of the species, which naturally grows merely 1-3 mm annually and has faced centuries of overharvesting.

This conservation success not only represents a scientific advance but also resonates deeply with the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean, where red coral has been integral for millennia. The initiative's progress will be prominently featured at the CIESM congress, exemplifying Monaco's leadership in marine biodiversity preservation through innovative research and strategic partnerships. This project sets a precedent for future endeavors in the Mediterranean and beyond, aiming at a sustainable future for marine ecosystems.