The invasive sun coral continues to pose a significant threat to Brazil's marine ecosystems. First detected in the 1980s, these corals, particularly Tubastraea coccinea and T. tagusensis, spread rapidly, impacting native species and biodiversity.
In March 2025, Brazil's environmental regulator, Ibama, authorized Petrobras to remove sun coral from a rig in the Foz do Amazonas basin. The inspection, conducted in December 2024, revealed the presence of the invasive species on the hull of the Foresea's ODN II NS-42 rig. The removal is planned to occur in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, before the rig proceeds to the Equatorial Margin.
The sun coral's ability to regenerate from small fragments contributes to its rapid spread. Efforts to manage and control the invasion include manual removal and the use of hydrogels applied by underwater drones. These methods aim to replace less effective and potentially harmful techniques like chisels and hammers.