The latest reports showed that coral reefs in the Florida Keys suffered from global warming and climate change, making their colors pale-looking.
Scientists have continuously raised concerns about saving the coral reef from health decline.
Rising temperatures can affect coral reefs, which are sensitive to rising temperatures.
Recently, Nature World News (NWN) reported that parts of the United States experienced dangerous and record-breaking heat due to the summer season and heat dome.
As many people looked forward to summertime, scientists and experts said that the record-high heat impacted the coral reefs in the Florida Keys.
Pale-looking coral reefs in Florida keys
According to the Associated Press (AP) report, the heat stress had affected some of the coral reefs in the Florida Keys, especially since they are sensitive to temperatures.
From the colorful coral reefs in the Florida Keys, some of them appeared pale-looking.
In a recent Reuters news, NOAA reported that the waters in Florida managed to reach mid-90s Fahrenheit (35 C), which extreme heat could lead to coral bleaching.
Based on the AP report, Katey Lesneski from Iconic Reefs explained that the corals were going white, which looked like the color appeared to drain out.
Lesneski serves as a monitoring and research coordinator protecting coral reefs, staying in the reef areas for about two weeks to monitor the corals.
Corals are essential to oceans and aquatic species. The devasting impact of heat stress on coral reefs' health could also affect marine species.
As a result, NOAA and Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will develop new techniques to ensure the health of corals in the oceans.
Meanwhile, the AP report noted that the warning system due to coral bleaching reached an alert level 2 as the temperatures could affect the coral reefs in the area.
In recent weeks, the corals around the Florida Keys have shown signs of bleaching.
Amazing coral reefs in Florida
Florida has been home to many coral reefs. The oceans are essential to biodiversity and the marine environment.
As a result, experts have been monitoring changes in temperatures and the impact of climate change on corals in the area.
Here are some beautiful coral reefs people can find in Florida waters.
According to AZ Animals, the Florida Reef Tract has been a vital place of corals in the region.
- Sombrero Reef
- Molasses Reef
- French Reef
- Alligator Reef
- Conch Reef
Also Read: Florida Wildlife Center Fire: Majority of Animals Dead, Investigation Continues
Did you know?
Nature World News recently reported that the corals in Palau were resistant to extreme heat and survived under challenging temperatures.
Based on the study published in Communications Biology, the Palau reefs would live in different habitats because of their tolerance to extreme heat conditions.
Researchers have been studying different corals, especially those living in extreme temperatures.
Related Article: Palau Reefs Tolerant to Extreme Marine Heatwaves, New Study Reveals
For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.