Researchers Discover Mass Death of Cultivated Coral
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have found that record hot seawater in the Florida Keys has led to the death of more than three-quarters of human-cultivated coral. The coral, including the threatened staghorn and elkhorn species, could not survive prolonged water temperatures in the 90s (30s Celsius) last summer and fall.
Human-Caused Climate Change Blamed for Tragic Loss
The alarming death toll of coral is attributed to human-caused climate change, exacerbated by a natural El Nino event. The delicate coral, essential for the ecosystem’s health, struggled to survive in the excessively warm waters.
Grave Consequences for Coral Populations
Only 22% of the repopulated staghorn coral and about 5% of replanted elkhorn coral were found alive during the survey. The loss extends beyond ecological impacts as the stunning beauty of the reefs also suffers a significant blow.
Challenges in Coral Restoration Efforts
The failure of the coral restoration efforts due to rising ocean temperatures raises concerns about the future of such projects. With the oceans becoming dangerously warm, the effectiveness of coral restoration initiatives is now under scrutiny.
Call for Global Action
Researchers emphasize the urgent need for global reductions in fossil fuel emissions and major policy changes to combat climate change. Efforts to breed heat-resistant coral are seen as a step towards conserving and restoring coral reefs.