Like other biological creatures, corals require specific conditions for them to survive, including temperature. As such, corals in certain places in Florida are being transfered from ocean nurseries for them to be placed in cooler temperatures of land-based tanks.
Florida's Corals
According to Science Alert, scientists have to remove coral samples from ocean nurseries due to the Florida Keys experiencing extreme temperatures past their survival range. These corals were transferred to cooler land-based tanks in an effort to save them.
As noted by Carleton College, the Florida Keys Reef Tract is considered the world's third-largest living coral barrier reef system. As such, the state has experienced rising sea temperatures, which pose threats to the barrier reef.
Alex Neufeld, the Coral Restoration Foundation's projects coordinator, said that in general, hot water wasn't good for any type of marine organism. He highlighted how it wasn't good for different types of marine creatures from lobsters to corals.
Because of the heat, Neufeld said that there could be massive die-offs for different sea creatures including fish or even sea turtles. The temperature reached 90 °F Fahrenheit for the water surface; but recently in Manatee Bay, near Key Largo, temperatures soared to a record 101.1 °F, which was unideal for coral survival.
Coral Survival Requirements
For corals to survive, they need to live in sea temperatures ranging from 70 and 84 °F, meaning any temperature below or above this could cause them problems. Neufeld also described the situation as the "worst" he's witnessed and how his sentiments were shared by others.
The nonprofit group of Neufeld, along with other local groups, has consistently been collecting genetic coral strains samples from nurseries. As such, these samples have been transported to land-based facilities where they can control the water parameters.
While scientists are trying to look for ways to prevent the extinction of the reef-based sea life, fears are also being shared by those in the tourism business that have built their business models around the Florida Keys.
Effect on Tourism
Brian Branigan, a Big Pine Key captain renting launches to tourists, says that the warmer temperatures are causing concern. He said that upon looking at the AFP to Looe Key Nation Marine Sanctuary, he noticed changes snorkeling in the water, saying it was "terrible" and "shocking."
Science Alert reports signs of severe stress can be spotted as the corals were turning white. The reef's bleaching has been accelerated when stressed corals release algae that were living in symbiosis, leaving them with a dry look.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimated the worth of southeastern Florida's coral reefs to be at $8.5 billion in asset value, suggesting that it also provided $2 billion worth of local income. The NOAA also suggests that the coral reefs attributed to 70,400 jobs, including full-time and part-time.
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