ReefSeed is a key innovation in global efforts to restore coral reefs, utilising much of the science and technology developed as part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP).
ReefSeed is an innovative, transportable, containerised, and standalone coral aquaculture system capable of producing millions of coral larvae in remote regions for reef restoration. Following testing and training during the Great Barrier Reef coral spawning in 2024, the first system was successfully established in the Maldives in early 2025. ReefSeed technologies are now being rolled out for other regional projects, including in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Learn more about ReefSeed here.
ReefSeed during 2026 coral spawning
For this year’s spawning on the Great Barrier Reef, a new ReefSeed system was built at AIMS’ Townsville site as part of the training of industry partners and international delegates.
ReefSeed units to be transferred to Queensland Coral Fishery Industry operators for use in late November coral spawning. Pacific nation partners will also receive ReefSeed units as part of the Reef Seeding Initiative for use in their spawning activities in the future, and this year are undertaking training with the system at the AIMS Townsville site.
Researchers
Andrea Severati (AIMS)
Dr Muhammad Abdul Wahab (AIMS)
Dr Carly Randall (AIMS)
Dr Cathie Page (AIMS)
Christine Giuliano (AIMS)
Tom Barker (AIMS)
Crystle Wee (AIMS@JCU)
Dr Mikaela Nordborg (AIMS)
Dr Kevin Erickson (AIMS)
This research is supported by:
The Pilot Deployments Program is a three year program funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, and led by AIMS, with additional philanthropic funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It is part of RRAP, funded by the partnership between the Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
The Reef Seeding Initiative is led by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, with AIMS and SECORE International as supporting partners.
ReefSeed was designed and developed by AIMS as part of the G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Program (CORDAP), with the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) as an implementing partner (for technology transfer, testing and overseas training and application) and CSIRO. Aquaculture methods of the ReefSeed units were developed under the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP).
This page was updated in October 2026.
