In order to better understand coral reproduction in Dongsha Atoll National Park, the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) conducted its first coral spawning survey from May 19 to 26. After several consecutive nights of underwater observation by research staff, coral spawning was finally recorded on May 23. This marked the first time that coral spawning footage had ever been captured in the waters of Dongsha Atoll.
　　According to the Headquarters, due to the unique environmental conditions of Dongsha Island, coral spawning at Dongsha Atoll had never previously been confirmed. To solve this long-standing mystery, Professor Sung Kuo-yi of the Institute of Marine Biology at National Sun Yat-sen University assisted in analyzing coral gonad maturity and helped determine the survey period from May 19 to 26 for the first spawning investigation.
　　After several nights of monitoring, researchers successfully documented coral spawning for the first time on May 23. At around 8:00 p.m., Porites corals began releasing their gametes, followed shortly after 10:00 p.m. by Favia corals joining the mass spawning event, creating a spectacular reproductive display. The research team expressed great excitement at finally witnessing and recording this long-anticipated phenomenon.
　　The Headquarters noted that this first documented coral spawning event provides strong encouragement for the coral reef ecosystem of Dongsha Atoll National Park. However, conservation is a long-term endeavor. To maintain biodiversity within the park, the Headquarters will continue to conduct coral reef conservation and ecological monitoring efforts.
 

Porites coral spawning

Favia coral releasing egg-sperm bundles

Astreopora coral spawning