Uploaded December 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Restoration practitioners glue tiny "microfragments" of coral onto ceramic plugs in a land-based nursery. Using this strategy, slow-growing coral species can grow relatively quickly, and can fuse together to form large colonies.


Credit: Nick Zachar/NOAA

For images and to download the high resolution version visit:
sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/press/mission-iconic-reefs