A recent meeting of minds in Denmark saw scientists and politicians alike acknowledge that global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are rising so fast that we are losing the fight to save the coral reef and most reefs will not survive even if tough greenhouse gas regulations are implemented.

Preserving samples of coral species in liquid nitrogen would enable scientists to reintroduce them to the seas in the future – if global temperatures can be stabilised by then.

Although the coral reefs make up less than a quarter of 1% of the ocean's floor, they are a key source of food, income and coastal protection for around 500 million people worldwide.

Freezing samples for the future may be a necessary option, allowing for the reintroduction to the seas and reconstruction of the reef at a later date in the future.