Florida's Devastating Underwater Discovery

Two crucial marine species have nearly vanished from Florida, raising concerns for everyone.

The concept of a species ceasing to exist forever is daunting. However, the true danger of losing flora and fauna often remains vague. If a seldom-seen bird disappears, the repercussions might go unnoticed by most.

Yet, what's happening in Florida paints a different picture. The relentless heat wave of 2023 has pushed two marine species to the brink of extinction, with human consequences expected to last for years.

Recent findings published in a scientific journal this week reveal that staghorn and elkhorn corals, once central to Florida's reef ecosystems, are now considered 'functionally extinct'. Their numbers have dwindled to a point where they no longer play their role in the marine environment.

Coral animals, also known as polyps, live in harmony with algae residing inside them. This algae provides both nourishment and vibrant hues in return for nutrients and sunlight.

However, elevated ocean temperatures disrupt this balance, leading polyps to eject the algae and turn pale—a phenomenon known as bleaching. In this state, corals become frail and malnourished; prolonged warmth can be lethal.

Severe heat events, like Florida's in the summer of 2023, can lead corals to perish within days, sometimes bypassing the bleaching stage altogether. When subjected to extreme heat stress, corals lose their vital polyps, causing skeletal exposure.

By July 2023, ocean temperatures in Southeast Florida surged past historic norms, particularly impacting the United States' sole mainland barrier reef. Instruments recorded temperatures exceeding 93°F, exposing corals to unprecedented warmth—up to fourfold of historic levels. This drastic change resulted in a staggering 97.8% to full obliteration of staghorn and elkhorn corals in the Florida Keys, as per research led by Derek Manzello at NOAA.

Ross Cunning, a researcher from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium, expressed their surprise at witnessing weather conditions surpass the survival limits of species across every Florida coral reef. Such an event was unprecedented.

This crisis should raise alarms for coastal populations. Staghorn and elkhorn corals, indigenous to Florida and the Caribbean, are more than just scenic beauties; they play a critical role in supporting human life.

Corals form intricate habitats that encourage fish populations by offering shelter and food, playing a pivotal role in Florida's $24.6 billion fishing industry. Furthermore, coral systems boost tourism, with diving and snorkeling contributing about $900 million annually in Southeast Florida. Tourists typically anticipate viewing coral reefs along with marine creatures during such excursions.

Most significantly, these coral species act as natural defenses against storm-induced flooding. Thriving in shallow waters, they break wave energy much like seawalls, minimizing coastal damage. Research from 2014 highlighted that coral reefs can cut wave energy by an average of 97%. This natural barrier saves Florida an estimated $675 million in flood damage every year.

Ominous Future for Coral Reefs

Now, with staghorn and elkhorn corals predominantly deceased, their remnants will decay, leaving an evermore exposed and less appealing coastline.

Florida's dilemma is not an isolated incident. As leading researchers confirm, intense marine heat waves are becoming increasingly common. While staghorn and elkhorn are notably sensitive to temperature hikes, they aren’t the sole victims. Planet-wide, we've lost about half of all live coral cover. Climate change, the primary driver behind coral bleaching, remains the chief threat. In 2024, a bleaching event decimated roughly a quarter of corals in Australia’s northern Great Barrier Reef.

The grim outlook has led experts worldwide to announce that coral ecosystems have surpassed a climatic threshold, threatening their very existence.

Unless major economies drastically decrease fossil fuel use, Florida's corals might never recover to previous levels, even with ardent restoration initiatives. Many of the 2023 coral casualties were nurtured and placed by environmental organizations.

Challenges in Conservation Efforts

Even rapid emission reductions wouldn't be enough; the ocean's heat is already excessive. Reviving the benefits corals provide requires innovative approaches to develop heat-resistant species and combat additional threats like overfishing and pollution.

Ross Cunning emphasizes the urgency: 'We need to throw corals a lifeline. It’s imperative we continue our efforts despite governmental shortcomings on environmental policies.' Stopping isn’t an option; perseverance is crucial.