As global warming threatens corals, scientists search for reefs that can take the heat

Anne Cohen, a scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, utilized an unmanned surface vehicle named Yellowfin to locate coral reefs in the Majuro lagoon. This robot, programmed to navigate to specific coordinates, assisted Cohen in her research on coral resilience in the face of global warming. The expedition to the Central Pacific waters highlights the urgent search for coral species capable of withstanding rising ocean temperatures. Scientists are investigating these heat-tolerant reefs to understand the biological mechanisms that allow them to survive in increasingly challenging marine environments. The findings from such research could inform conservation efforts and restoration strategies aimed at preserving coral ecosystems worldwide. The use of advanced technology like Yellowfin underscores the innovative approaches being employed to study and protect these vital marine habitats.