Great Barrier Reef coral-breeding program offers 'glimmer of hope'

Project, which could help restore damaged coral populations, has seen success in the Philippines

Scientists have stepped in as environmental matchmakers by breeding baby coral on the Great Barrier Reef in a move that could have worldwide significance.

Coral eggs and sperm were collected from Heron Island’s reef during last November’s coral spawning to produce more than a million larvae.

Related: Fears for Great Barrier Reef as deforestation surges in catchments

Related: Coral bleaching badly affected reefs of Kimberley, study finds