Local organizations have been working for two weeks to rescue coral specimens in the Florida Straits due to the high temperatures that are seriously affecting coral reefs. The employees of these organizations sail daily to the nurseries installed in the sea to collect coral species before it is too late.
The objective is to save these corals in laboratories in the region, where they are kept in tanks with salt water at a suitable temperature for their survival. Corals can live in water between 21 and 28.8ºC, but if the water is too hot, the corals expel algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with food and color. This causes the corals to turn white, a sign that they are in danger if their conditions don’t change soon.
The Florida Straits have experienced water temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a record 100 degrees Fahrenheit even recorded in Manatee Bay. This heat wave is causing massive coral bleaching, which worries scientists and environmental experts. The magnitude of the bleaching and the fact that it occurred so early in the year are cause for concern since Florida’s reef is one of the largest in the world and its environmental role is crucial for the protection of marine life and as a barrier against hurricanes and storm surges.
The situation also affects tourist and commercial activities in the region. Businesses that depend on tourism, such as boat rentals, fishing, and diving, are concerned about the impact on their businesses due to reef degradation. Florida’s coral reefs generate billions of dollars in income and employment, so their deterioration affects both the environment and the local economy. Tourists also worry about the decline in marine life and the beauty of the reefs, which could affect their decision to visit the region and spend their money in other tourist destinations.