Florida Corals Struggle to Survive Due to Intense Marine Heatwaves

The corals in Florida have struggled due to climate change and extreme weather. Warming and rising temperatures can affect their overall health.

Florida region is no stranger to extreme weather events, from rising temperatures and dry conditions. In the recent report, researchers discovered the declining status of corals near the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Miami waters.

Florida Corals: How does it affect the marine ecosystem?

The pale-looking corals in Florida suffered from extreme temperatures and coral bleaching. Recently, the ocean temperatures in Manatee Bay in the South of Miami reached an alarming level of 101.19.

In the Florida waters, some of the corals showed a significant decline due to warm temperatures. For instance, the Elkhorn and staghorn coral populations also experienced a challenging situation to thrive.

The arrival of El Nino and climate change can worsen the heat problem in Florida that affects most of the corals in the area. As a result, the immediate protection and restoration of corals are crucial for the marine environment.

In the recent report, researchers unveiled that the Elkhorn corals experienced a difficult situation and faced a potential extinction concern. The elkhorn coral is one of the most iconic coral reef systems in the Caribbean reef.

However, the researchers noted a glimpse of hope in restoring corals in the Florida waters. In addition, the continuous monitoring of corals is vital for their conservation and protection efforts amidst rising temperatures.

Also Read: Alarming Florida Keys Coral Bleaching: Warm Waters, Rise of Temperatures Impact Corals

The rich biodiversity in Florida

Florida waters are rich in marine biodiversity and are home to different corals and species. However, the threat of pollution, climate change and habitat loss have impacted the waters for the last 40 years.

Here are some species that people can find in the Florida waters:

The staghorn coral is a known reef-building coral species found in Southern Florida. The said coral is located from three to 82 feet underwater. However, the coral is considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to threats of human stressors and diseases.

Meanwhile, the Elkhorn corals are also known as Acropora Palmata, found in Southern Florida and Western Atlantic. People can see the rare corals between 3 and 30 feet. Their population has also declined.

On the other hand, the Clubbed Finger Coral, Porites Porites, can be seen in shallow waters of less than 3 feet. Unlike other coral reef species, the clubbed finger population is considered stable.

The Symmetrical Brain corals, pseudodiploria strigosa, also grow in shallow water or rocky substrate. The said coral population is also stable, with no reported decline in numbers.

Lastly, the Grooved Brain Coral, Diploria Labyrinthiformis, has a hemispherical shape. They are mostly widespread in parts of Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Related Article: US Harmful Algal Bloom: Over $20 Million Budget To Mitigate Impacts on Human Health, Fish Ecosystem

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