The Decline of Coral Reefs

Will Florida’s only coral reef survive?

The reef-building coral populations have been diminishing worldwide. There is only one coral reef left in Florida, and its future is threatened.

As the reef-building coral populations continue to decline, many are trying to save them. However, issues such as ocean acidification and climate change negatively impact these reefs. “Florida’s coral reef stretches almost 350 miles and is home to over 40 species of reef-building corals that provide shelter, food and breeding sites for millions of plants and animals” (FDEP). If this coral reef were to die, the ecosystem around it would likely crumble, putting the lives of many animals at risk. At the same time, we as humans would also suffer because Florida’s coral reef is home to hundreds of species of marine life that are a source of seafood for homes, restaurants, and stores. Thus, the loss of this coral reef would cause a significant amount of problems for both marine life and humans.

How will this impact marine life and humans?

When the reef-building coral populations dissipate, all the plants and animals that rely on it would be left in danger; the marine ecosystem in Florida would be in shambles. This crisis would then spiral and become an economic problem. The loss of Florida’s coral reef would result in the inability for Florida’s economy that is “based largely on tourism and commercial and recreational fishing centered in and around reefs” to function (5). The root of this problem has been determined to be climate change, warming ocean temperatures, overfishing, ocean acidification, etc. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

For starters, coral bleaching occurs when corals are overstressed by changes in their condition, this is due to the loss of colorful algae, called zooxanthellae, living in their translucent tissues (1). Once bleaching occurs, the coral will eventually die out (5). Regarding the recovery of the coral, the current conditions of climate change will likely prevent reef recovery in the near future (3). While people are taking action to prevent the degradation of coral reefs, there is still a chance that “we may lose critical functions and benefits of the reefs” (1). So, unless we want to lose these reefs and the many benefits they provide, we need to take action to conserve these reefs and protect the environment.

ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN THE FIELD

Florida Oceans and Costal Council

The council is charged with developing priorities for ocean and coastal research and establishing a statewide ocean research plan. The Council also coordinates public and private ocean research for more effective coastal management.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

A Florida government agency that protects, conserves, and manages Florida's natural resources and enforces the state's environmental laws.

References

(1) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). (2022) Conserving Florida’s coral reef. https://flordiascoralreef.org. Accessed 12 April 2022.
(2) Florida Oceans and Costal Council. (2009) The effects of climate change on Florida’s costal resources. A special report to the Florida Energy and Climate Commission and the people of Florida. Tallahasse, FL. 35pp.
(3) Ilsa B. Kuffner, Barbara H. Lidz, J. Harold Hudson, Jeffrey S. Anderson. (2015) A Century of Ocean Warming on Florida Keys Coral Reefs: Historic In Situ Observations. file:///private/var/folders/f8/mvfsr8995qn5_ps6ys8z4k9c0000gn/T/com.microsoft.Outlook/Outlook%20Temp/Kuffner2015_Article_ACenturyOfOceanWarmingOnFlorid%5B51%5D.pdf. Accessed 3 May 2022.
(4) Manzello, D. P. Rapid Recent Warming of Coral Reefs in the Florida Keys. Sci. Rep. 5, 16762; doi: 10.1038/srep16762 (2015). Accessed 3 May 2022.
(5) Walter C. Jaap, Alina Szmant, Karilyn Jaap, Jennifer Dupont, Robert Clarke, Paul Somerfield, Jerald S. Ault, James A. Bohnsack, Steven G. Kellison, and G. Todd Kellison. (2008) A Perspective on the Biology of Florida Keys Coral Reefs. Accessed 3 May 2022.