Florida's Coral Reefs Endangered

A new report by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that coral reefs in Florida are in great danger and may be completely destroyed due to climate change. The researchers argue that the impact of such changes will affect the reefs much more than previously thought. If the forecast comes true, then the corals in this region will completely disappear by the 2020 year.

As water temperatures rise, corals become bleached. This kills not only the corals themselves, but also other living creatures living in and around the reefs. The Dry Tortugas coral habitat in Florida has been cited as one of the most vulnerable coral habitats currently available. “Some of the locations identified in our study as 'relative refugia' are experiencing lower rates of temperature rise and fewer extreme events because corals have more time to adapt to climate change. We are trying to use this to protect such places as protected areas,” said Ruben van Hooidonk, author of the study.

In addition to climate change, there are other factors that contribute to coral bleaching and death. These are emissions of wastes from the shore, their catch, water oxidation, and damage from throwing anchors.