Tinder for corals ft. Dr Jessica Stella

Coral spawning on the Great Barrer Reef is the most spectacular reproductive show on earth - and a must-see event for reef enthusiasts worldwide. But more than just a synchronised kaleidoscope of colour, spawning also marks the regeneration of the Reef with millions of sperm and eggs shooting into the ocean. It's also an important time for other underwater fauna, with many opportunistically dining out on the nutrient-rich bounty provided by the coral polyps. But just how much do we really know about the friskiest event on the Reef?Dr Jessica Stella is a distinguished marine ecologist and Assistant Director of Reef Health at the Reef Authority. Dr Stella shares her remarkable journey from Massachusetts to the tropical wonders of North Queensland, her fascination with coral reef invertebrates, and an in-depth exploration of the captivating world of coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef.More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast