Great Barrier Reef explodes into life in 'magical' spawning event - KSL.com

CAIRNS, Australia — The Great Barrier Reef has "given birth" in its annual coral spawn, creating a cacophony of color on the Australian landmark.

This footage will allow scientists to monitor this year's coral crop — and keep tabs on the general health of the Great Barrier Reef, which is protected by UNESCO and this year avoided an "in danger" rating from the World Heritage Committee.

The Great Barrier Reef's coral spawn is a coordinated annual effort — for much of the year, coral multiplies by splitting and dividing, but once a year the coral simultaneously releases bundles of sperm and egg into the ocean.

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation explains that coral bundles need to find another bundle from the same coral species in order to reproduce, so by releasing bundles at the same time, coral increase that likelihood.

For Philips, the coral spawning is a sign of hope in the face of ecological troubles that recently prompted UNESCO to ask Australia for a report on the state of the Great Barrier Reef's conservation by February 2022.