(Miami, FL) -- Scientists at Nova Southeastern University just sent 300 endangered staghorn corals to Texas A&M for research and preservation.
NSU's Irvin Harrell says scientists transported the coral by plane to Texas to ensure the time-sensitive cargo survived.
Texas A&M provided the private plane to transport the precious cargo and helped to carefully pack it.
"Researchers packaged each coral with fresh, clean sea water and extra oxygen "inside of a protective case, inside of insulated and padded coolers," according to NSU.
Harrell says researchers in Texas use genetic mapping to study the endangered corals.
Texas A&M used to harvest corals from the Florida Keys, but the population has been devastated by bleaching from rising sea temperatures