Japan volcanic island may hold key to coral survival

In this picture taken on March 28, 2017, scientists prepare to go on a dive after launching their small boats from the 120-tonne French schooner Tara near Shikine island. -AFP filepic

ABOARD THE SCHOONER TARA, JAPAN: The key to the survival of the world’s threatened coral reefs may lie in the waters surrounding a small volcanic island off the coast of Japan, scientists say.

The seabed of Shikine island is a “living laboratory” for researchers aboard the schooner Tara, a French-led scientific expedition, who are looking for clues to help protect coral from the damaging effects of climate change.