News Oceans

Got pesky, invasive corals? Blast ‘em away with air guns

Underwater compressed air effectively removes coral species invasive to Brazil

A scuba diver uses an air tool to blast invasive corals underwater.

A researcher air blasts invasive sun corals in Brazil’s Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge.

Leo Francini

By Danielle Beurteaux

Invasive corals are getting blown out of the water — with undersea air guns.

While corals around the world are dying in vast numbers due to ocean acidification, climate change, overfishing and disease, invasive counterparts such as sun corals are taking over biodiversity hotspots.