The Florida Keys’ coral reefs are experiencing a devastating marine heat wave, leading to widespread bleaching and coral deaths. The situation is particularly dire in the Middle and Lower Keys due to a “weird phenomenon” related to Florida Bay. The shallow and saltier waters of the bay heat up faster than the Atlantic Ocean, creating dense, hot pockets of water that surround and stress the corals. While satellite measurements show elevated sea surface temperatures, underwater measurements reveal even hotter temperatures at the sea floor. This bleaching event serves as a warning for the future of reefs in the Caribbean, highlighting the need for immediate action to mitigate climate change and protect these valuable ecosystems.
At Cheeca Rocks, one of the most resilient reefs in the Florida Keys, coral bleaching has reached catastrophic levels. Every single coral on the reef is bleached, signaling total devastation. This is a significant blow to a reef that was known for its resilience. The scene of lifeless, bone-white corals is a heartbreaking sight, visible even from the boat circling the reef. The severity of this event is exacerbated by the fact that peak temperatures are not typically reached until late August, suggesting that the hot water may persist for another two months. Finding solutions to protect and restore these reefs requires local investments in research and technology, as well as global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
It is crucial that this crisis serves as a wake-up call for individuals and governments around the world. The fate of the Florida reef tract is a preview of what could happen on a larger scale in the Caribbean and beyond. Saving these biodiverse ecosystems will require collective action and a commitment to sustainable practices. Time is of the essence, and urgent measures must be taken to preserve and protect our coral reefs.
‘Devastation’ at Cheeca Rocks
It’s hard to imagine things getting much worse on the Florida reef tract, where at least two coral nurseries and one wild reef have seen 100% bleaching, and in some cases, total mortality of coral fragments at a nursery. Ian Enochs, lead researcher at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) in Miami, recently surveyed Cheeca Rocks, a popular reef in the Upper Keys, and the sight was heart-wrenching. Every coral on the reef had succumbed to bleaching, leaving a sea of bone-white remains. This reef, once hailed for its resilience, now serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need for action.
Despite the grim situation, Enochs remains hopeful that with local investments in research and technology, as well as global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, it may be possible to save these invaluable coral reefs. However, time is running out, and the scale of the problem demands immediate attention. The Florida Keys’ coral bleaching event should serve as a wake-up call for the world, urging us to prioritize the protection and preservation of these fragile ecosystems.
2023 Miami Herald.
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Citation: Florida corals in hotter water than first thought. Scientists blame ‘weird phenomenon’ (2023, August 4) retrieved 4 August 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-08-florida-corals-hotter-thought-scientists.html
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
Denial of responsibility! Samachar Central is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
