The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources has received a permit from the National Marine Fisheries Service to collect and enhance pillar coral to help conserve the species' genetic diversity and boost its numbers in Puerto Rican coral reefs. The permit allows for collection, maintenance, propagation, and replanting of coral colonies both in nurseries and the wild. It will also enable emergency actions like stabilizing or relocating corals affected by events like storms. This 10-year permit ensures activities align with the Endangered Species Act, confirming that the permit was applied for sincerely, will not harm endangered species, and aligns with conservation goals.
Simple Explanation
The Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources got a special permission to help a type of coral that's in trouble. They can carefully move, grow, and put back the coral in the ocean to keep it safe and help it grow.