As oceans warm, Florida scientists hunt for heat-resistant coral
Summary
Florida scientists and trained volunteers are planting and monitoring young coral to identify species that can better withstand warming oceans. A long-running University of Miami rescue program is helping rebuild reefs as marine heat waves intensify and bleaching risks grow.
Key Points
- Scientists off Florida’s coast are planting young coral and tracking which species withstand warming waters best.
- The University of Miami’s long-running Rescue a Reef program combines conservation, research, and public education.
- A 2023 marine heat wave left elkhorn and staghorn coral functionally extinct in Florida’s Coral Reef.
- Researchers say Mountainous Star Coral appears to be among the most resilient to bleaching and thermal stress.
