Florida’s coral is in hot water. Scientists are diving in to rescue the fragile creatures before it’s too late

Three and a half miles off the Florida Keys, Kylie Smith resurfaced from the ocean, gazing down at the coral reef below her scuba mask. Her heart sank as she saw a colony of baby elkhorn coral turning bone white, while another group succumbed to rapid tissue loss disease. These corals had been planted and diligently cared for by Smith and her team of volunteers over the past year. The colonies had flourished, slowly expanding towards the sunlight, only to be devastated by rising water temperatures. Smith, a 34-year-old coral ecologist, couldn’t help but feel heartbroken as she bobbed in the waves above Alligator Reef.

Florida’s barrier reef—a delicate 350-mile-long ecosystem—is facing a critical threat as ocean temperatures soar to historic levels. The surface temperature recently reached a scorching 101.1 degrees in the shallow Florida Bay. At the depths of the reefs, the temperature has risen to 93 degrees, more than 6 degrees above the average for this time of year. Without swift and significant intervention, numerous species of coral that support thousands of marine life and contribute to the region’s economy could face extinction.

Scientists and experts race to monitor and restore corals along the coast. Coral restoration is no easy task, as the reefs have experienced a staggering 98% loss over the past four decades due to pollution, disease, abnormal temperatures, overfishing, and other human impacts. Seven species of coral found on Florida’s reef are already listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the symbiotic algae that provide their primary food source, has become increasingly prevalent globally. In 2014, a third of elkhorn corals in the Upper Keys were harmed or destroyed by bleaching. The worry now is that bleaching has begun in July, with August and September typically being the hottest months.

Corals play a crucial role in ocean biodiversity, creating ecosystems that sustain thousands of species of plants and fish. They support the economy of the Florida Keys by contributing to commercial fishing, recreational activities, and tourism, which generates $2.4 billion in annual sales. Additionally, coral reefs act as a buffer, protecting coastlines from erosion, waves, storms, and floods. The loss of these reefs would result in dire consequences for marine life, the local economy, and coastal protection.

Scientists continue to witness the rapid decline of corals at alarming rates, such as at locations like Sombrero Reef and Cheeca Rocks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration raised its coral bleaching warning for the Florida Keys to its highest heat stress level, predicting a 90% probability of bleaching through October. Coral restoration efforts have also faced devastating setbacks, with entire colonies dying before they could even bleach. The urgency to save these ancient marine organisms is palpable.

Despite the challenges and grim realities, individuals like Kylie Smith push forward. As a co-founder of I-CARE, a coral planting group that trains and organizes divers, Smith remains determined to restore and nurture the corals. She joined the diving community at a young age, overcoming her fear by getting certified at 15. Though she has experienced the death of prized corals, Smith remains focused on the positive impact they have made. Her group has planted over 14,000 corals in the Upper Keys alone, with more to be monitored and cared for.

The future of Florida’s barrier reef hangs in the balance, and the race to save these vital ecosystems and preserve biodiversity is intensifying. Scientists and experts work tirelessly, counting on public awareness and support to ensure the survival of these majestic coral formations. The loss of these reefs would mean a tremendous blow not only to nature but also to the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on them. It is a wake-up call for everyone, regardless of their geographic location.

As corals perish at an alarming rate, the urgency to protect them has never been greater. These complex and fragile ecosystems deserve our attention, care, and intervention. It is time to take action and become caretakers of our oceans, preserving their beauty and diversity for future generations.

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