Race Against Time to Save Florida's Coral Reefs From Rising Temperatures

Coral reef with a diverse ecosystemPhoto byWikimedia

Under the waters off the Florida Keys, coral scientist Kylie Smith and her volunteers experience the tragic aftermath of rising ocean temperatures.

As water temperature hit a world record of 101.1 F in the Florida Keys, the coral reefs of the Sunshine State are in danger.

Positioned three and a half miles from the coastline, Smith resurfaces from her scuba dive to share a sad account of the fate befalling once-vibrant colonies of elkhorn coral.

These fragile organisms have been carefully cared for over the past year. But a disease that causes tissue loss is known as bleaching is making the situation worse. The month of July recorded historically high ocean temperatures, triggering widespread coral bleaching across the 350-mile barrier reef that hugs Florida's coastline.

Below the water's surface, temperatures at select reef sites have soared to a staggering 93 degrees Fahrenheit—more than 6 degrees above the usual average for this time of year. Urgent intervention is critical, lest the ancient marine species, crucial for the survival of numerous sea creatures and the regional economy, suffer extinction.

A network of scientists and coral restoration experts are racing to save species in a modern-day Noah's Ark-style expedition. They intend to move the corals to safer locations.

Kylie Smith and her organization, I-CARE, are determined to help these important coral ecosystems stay alive. Over the last two and a half years, they've been able to plant more than 14,000 corals in Florida's Upper Keys.

They're still working hard to protect and restore these important marine areas.

It's habitat for fish and invertebrates, it's coastal protection. It's just a magical world and to see it dying in front of you, and to see people not caring and not doing anything about it- Ken Nedimyer, Founder, Reef Renewal

Coral reefs also act as a physical barrier between the land and the sea, shielding eroding coastlines from waves, storms, and flooding, and aiding in the prevention of loss of life and property damage during hurricanes.

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