Volunteer divers take on invasive corals near Rio de Janeiro

Bright orange sun corals, native to the Indo-Pacific, have invaded Brazilian waters for decades and threaten native coral species. The invasive species compete for space and damage surrounding coral colonies, posing risks to marine ecosystems. A national plan was launched in Brazil in 2018 to control and monitor these invaders. Volunteer divers, led by marine biologist Adriana Gomes, are removing sun corals from Cagarras Islands.

Volunteer divers take on invasive corals near Rio de Janeiro
Bright orange sun corals, native to the Indo-Pacific, have invaded Brazilian waters for decades and threaten native coral species. The invasive species compete for space and damage surrounding coral colonies, posing risks to marine ecosystems. A national plan was launched in Brazil in 2018 to control and monitor these invaders. Volunteer divers, led by marine biologist Adriana Gomes, are removing sun corals from Cagarras Islands.