Conservation Group Warns of , '100% Coral Mortality' , in the Florida Keys.
A coral reed restoration group has warned that rising temperatures in the world's oceans have put Florida's coral reef in danger of irreparable loss.
A coral reed restoration group has warned that rising temperatures in the world's oceans have put Florida's coral reef in danger of irreparable loss.
According to the Coral Restoration Foundation, the Sombrero Reef near the Florida Keys was found to have "100% coral mortality.".
According to the Coral Restoration Foundation, the Sombrero Reef near the Florida Keys was found to have "100% coral mortality.".
'USA Today' explains that this means that all coral on the Sombrero Reef have died.
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'USA Today' explains that this means that all coral on the Sombrero Reef have died.
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According to NOAA, the reef is listed as a Sanctuary Preservation Area, meaning it contains , "discrete, biologically important areas that help sustain critical marine species and habitats.".
In a press release, the foundation warned that the coral will not be able to recover without the help of active restoration.
The group also said that nearly all of the coral on the Looe Key Nursery in the Lower Keys have also died.
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Meanwhile, in the Upper Keys, temperatures have remained cooler and coral populations have not declined as much as in the Lower Keys.
'USA Today' reports that the foundation is now concentrating on rescuing and relocating corals from nurseries.
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The CEO of the foundation, Scott Winters, expressed the group's hope that the coral's dire state will spark investment in restoration and conservation.
This is not a partisan issue; everyone will be affected.
The climate crisis impacts our way of life and all life on Earth, Scott Winters, CEO of the Coral Restoration Foundation, via 'USA Today'
