For a brief window, coral colonies release tiny reproductive bundles into the water, beginning the next generation of reef life. For scientists, it is also a rare chance to collect and preserve coral material that may help support reef resilience in a changing ocean.

At Minderoo Exmouth Research Lab, researchers spend weeks preparing for this moment. Tanks are calibrated to mimic natural reef conditions, colonies are closely monitored, and teams remain on standby through the night waiting for the first signs of spawning.

When it happens, every minute counts.

In this Spotlight episode, we go behind the scenes with the team working to collect coral spawn from Ningaloo Reef, with cryopreservation led by Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Marking the first time this work has taken place in Western Australia, the effort is helping build a living archive for one of the world’s most significant reef systems.

As our oceans change, understanding and protecting reefs like Ningaloo has never mattered more.