Cryopreservation can assist gene flow on the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract Maintaining genetic diversity and biodiversity is key to sustaining healthy ecosystems their capacity for adaptation. Assisted Gene Flow (AGF) a management approach translocate adaptive genes among populations restore faltering at-risk habitats, especially on coral reefs. Cryopreserved sperm can facilitate AGF via selective breeding at lower cost with fewer risks than sourcing colonies from the wild or moving adult corals (translocation) . Here, we present proof-of-concept study demonstrating that cryopreserved northern central Great Barrier Reef (GBR) locations be used make intrapopulation interpopulation crosses underpin AGF. The results of this support importance assessing concentration motile in post-thaw samples, minimum approximately 30,000 per egg required achieve fertilisation. Mean cent motility values post-collection without artificial activation (northern 14 ± 3.2%; 19 3.6%) were considerably previous observations Acropora tenuis Reef, may represent lag effect recent ocean warming events level populations. Coral reefs relatively high species cover are good places preserve through cryopreservation. Such cryo-collections build resource optimise strategies available reef managers natural recovery rates restoration adaptation efforts.