GoKawiilWHOI scientists use reef sound recordings to lure coral larvae to damaged reefs
Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, led by marine bioacoustician Aran Mooney, are playing underwater recordings of healthy reef sounds—like snapping shrimp and fish noise—near degraded Caribbean reefs during coral spawning season. The approach exploits a discovery that coral larvae can sense and follow sound cues when searching for a place to settle. Teams are also relocating corals to cooler, deeper waters and adding protective microorganisms as record ocean heat and a strong El Niño drive fresh coral bleaching concerns.