Florida Coral Reefs (Copy)
The Decline of Florida’s Coral Reefs
Will Florida’s only coral reef survive?
Reef-building coral populations continue to decline due to issues such as ocean acidification and climate change that negatively impact these reefs.
Florida’s expansive coral reef stretches over 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County and it is home to over 40 species of reef-building corals (1). These organisms provide shelter, food, and breeding sites for millions of plants and animals that reside in the coral reef (1). 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 number of problems for both marine life and humans.
Coral reefs benefit people in many ways. Globally, approximately:
400 million people rely on coral reef fish as a source of food (1).
$35 billion is generated annually by coral reef tourism activities like scuba diving and snorkeling (1).
Reefs reduce wave energy by 97%, helping protect 197 million people in coastal areas from beach erosion, wave energy and flooding (1).
How will this loss 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 roots of the decline of the coral reefs are climate change, warming ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification (2). 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 this bleaching occurs, it is inevitable that the coral will eventually die out (3). The current conditions of climate change will also likely prevent reef recovery to be a quick process (4). According to research in 2015, water temperatures on the northern Florida reef tract have increased over the last century (4). While people are taking action to prevent the degradation of coral reefs, there is still a chance that we could lose the critical functions and benefits of the reefs (1).
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What is the value of the coral reefs?
Coral reefs are incredible natural resources that support the economy while also providing a place for recreation, education, scientific research and public inspiration (1). Florida’s economy is based largely on tourism and both commercial and recreational fishing that is centered in and around reefs (3). The total tourism value of Florida’s Coral Reef is estimated at $1.1 billion annually, and the coral reefs are estimated to annually support 71,000 jobs in South Florida (1). With the decline of the coral reef comes not only organisms suffering but also jobs and opportunities lost for humans. The fish that are caught daily rely on vital coral reef structures where they can breed and grow. The reefs even benefit the well-being of humans. Some medicines that have been known to treat cancer, pain and inflammation were derived from coral reef organisms. When coral reefs are healthy and resilient, they act as safeguard against threats such as extreme weather, shoreline erosion and coastal flooding (1).
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ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN THE FIELD:
A Florida government agency that protects, conserves, and manages Florida's natural resources and enforces the state's environmental laws.
Florida Oceans and Coastal 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.
References:
(1) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) (2022) Conserving Florida’s coral reef. https://floridascoralreef.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. Accessed 7 July 2023.
(3) 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.
(4) 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. Accessed 3 May 2022.
