Florida’s Crucial Corals Face Functional Extinction Amid Record-Breaking Ocean Temperatures

Florida’s coral reefs, once thriving with elkhorn and staghorn corals, are now facing a devastating decline. A recent study indicates that these critical coral species are “functionally extinct” due to record-breaking ocean temperatures.

Record-Breaking Ocean Temperatures

Summer 2023 witnessed unprecedented heat as Florida’s water temperatures exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit, marking the highest level in over 150 years. This extreme heat prolonged for approximately three months, posing lethal stress on coral populations.

Coral Species in Crisis

• Elkhorn and staghorn corals have been significant reef builders for the last 10,000 years.
• These species were already critically endangered before the heatwave, primarily due to disease, pollution, hurricanes, and ocean warming.
• The study monitored over 52,300 Acropora corals across Florida’s nearly 350-mile coral reef system.

The Aftermath of Heat Stress

Heat stress forces corals to expel the algae that provide essential color and energy, leading to bleaching. If the conditions improve, corals can recover; however, the prolonged duration and intensity of heat significantly heighten their mortality risk.

Functional Extinction Declared

By March 2024, research revealed that 98% to 100% of coral colonies on Florida’s southern reefs had perished. This alarming finding signals the “functional extinction” of these coral populations, meaning they can no longer fulfill their ecological role in maintaining the reef structure.

The Consequences of Coral Loss

The remaining corals are primarily situated in the northern part of the reef system, where they remain susceptible to threats from disease and severe weather. The decline of elkhorn and staghorn corals triggers cascading impacts on marine ecosystems:

• Slowdown in reef growth
• Reduction in habitat complexity
• Decreased shelter and resources for fish and invertebrates

Moreover, coastline areas become increasingly vulnerable to storms and erosion due to the loss of these vital corals.

A Stark Warning for the Future

The findings have broader implications, serving as a dire warning for coral reefs worldwide. Research from the University of Exeter highlights that climate change has already pushed warm water coral reefs past a crucial tipping point. Unless global warming is mitigated, significant losses are anticipated.

Hope Amid Despair

Efforts to bolster coral populations through nursery programs, both onshore and offshore, are ongoing. However, the report stresses that future bleaching events will influence the success of these initiatives. Keri O’Neil from the Florida Aquarium emphasizes the urgency for immediate action to reduce planet-heating pollution.

Despite the grim outlook, the report should be seen as a prompt for proactive measures. “The window to prevent further losses is rapidly closing,” Cunning stated. Targeted interventions and aggressive climate action are essential to steer coral populations towards recovery.