101.1 Degree Hot Water is Bleaching Florida
Florida has a big problem as its waters are warm due to climate change its coral reefs are bleaching under extreme stress, and it’s all happening quickly. The Florida Keys would not exist if not for the coral reef track that has existed here over the Millennia. But now this hot water is bleaching Florida coral reefs which is alarming.
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Researchers say the high temperature threatened coral reefs and caused bleaching.
Scientists are joining forces to look for a solution. But can Florida’s coral reef be saved?
Why coral reefs are important?
The reef is home to millions of species of marine life. Experts say it supports healthy ocean food webs and protects coastlines as many parts of the U.S. face heat waves.
In the last five years in Miami, there has been a significant change in coral reefs because of more storms, higher temperatures, and heat waves that caused more problems for the reefs.
Scientists from the NOAA(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the Moat Marine Laboratory and Aquarium are teaming up in response to the crisis. They are coming up with new techniques to propagate and transplant healthy corals.
Part of that includes cultivating Coral fragments and nurseries, ensuring their strength and viability before reintroducing them into the ocean.
Why bleaching coral reefs is alarming?
As heat waves roll across so much of the world, oceans also heat up. Surface temperatures in many oceans are breaking historical records, including in the Atlantic, where these warmer waters threaten ocean life and coral reefs.
For example, off the coast of Southern Florida, surface water temperatures have topped a shocking 100 degrees Fahrenheit, triggering a sudden massive bleaching event on some coral reefs.
This morning scientists say the 101.1-degree temperature recorded at a buoy near Key Largo, Florida, may break a record for the highest observed sea-surface temperature.
Several factors are at play, including the record-breaking air temperature in South Florida. The shallow and murky water where the buoy is located absorbs more heat. It comes as 50% of the ocean water around the globe is predicted to experience heatwave conditions by September.
This summer’s hot temperatures have people spending time at the beach to cool off, but they are not finding much relief. The Climate scientists say you can’t even say New Normal because it will keep ramping up. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says ocean temperatures are rising.
