Climate Change and El Nino Blamed for Coral Deaths
Scientists were shocked to find that over three-quarters of the human-cultivated coral in the Florida Keys had perished due to record hot seawater temperatures. Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) returned to five reefs to assess the survival of staghorn and elkhorn coral, both of which are classified as threatened species. The prolonged water temperatures in the 90s last summer and fall proved fatal for most of the coral, both repopulated and wild, on the reefs.
Devastating Loss and Impact on Ecosystem
NOAA reported that only 22% of the repopulated staghorn coral and about 5% of replanted elkhorn coral were still alive. The loss of these coral species not only impacts the ecosystem but also the economic and ecological benefits they provide. The death of these vital coral species marks a significant setback in coral restoration efforts.
Concerns and Call for Action
Scientists attribute the coral deaths to human-caused climate change and a natural El Nino event, which raised water temperatures to unbearable levels for the delicate coral. The need for global reductions in fossil fuel emissions and major policy changes is emphasized as crucial to combatting the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
Despite the challenges, researchers are exploring breeding more heat-resistant coral as a potential solution. However, the urgency of addressing climate change to safeguard coral reefs and their invaluable contributions to the environment is paramount.