What method did Koji Kinjo use to breed resilient corals?

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Koji Kinjo Bred Resilient Corals by Exposing Them to Stressors

Koji Kinjo developed a method to breed corals with enhanced resistance to warmer waters by intentionally exposing them to stressors such as strong ultraviolet rays. This approach, implemented at his "artificial sea" facility in Yomitan village since 2009, aimed to cultivate exceptionally hardy organisms capable of surviving environmental challenges like the 2024 marine heatwave. Kinjo's philosophy posits that creatures must be toughened during their development to withstand nature's harsh conditions.
Exposure to Stressors for Resilience

Kinjo's successful breeding of "miracle coral" involved a rigorous process of exposing young corals to significant environmental pressures. Initially, he attempted to nurture corals in stress-free settings, but these proved vulnerable and perished upon transplantation. His breakthrough came when he systematically subjected the corals to intense UV radiation and other forms of stress, thereby developing organisms with exceptional resilience.
The "Artificial Sea" Facility

Established in 2009, Kinjo's "artificial sea" in Yomitan is an indoor facility designed to simulate natural marine environments. This setup houses various aquariums containing corals, tropical fish, and sea cucumbers. Within this controlled ecosystem, Kinjo applies his stress-testing methods to cultivate corals that can better endure the increasingly challenging conditions of the ocean, as evidenced by their survival of the 2024 bleaching event.
A Philosophy of Toughening Up

Kinjo firmly believes that resilience is a trait that must be actively cultivated. His core principle is that to foster creatures capable of surviving nature's adversities, they must undergo a process of toughening up from a young age. This belief underpins his unconventional breeding techniques, which intentionally introduce challenging conditions rather than shielding the corals from them.
Corals Thriving Amidst Decline

Kinjo asserts that the coral reefs adjacent to his seaside farm are entirely composed of corals he cultivated. He contrasts this with the natural reefs, where his counterparts have reportedly "no longer able to keep up with a tremendous increase in stress" from human-induced pollution and climate change. This observation highlights the perceived inadequacy of natural adaptation in the face of escalating environmental pressures, leading Kinjo to conclude that intervention is necessary for coral survival.

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What method did Koji Kinjo use to breed resilient corals?

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