KEY BISCAYNE, FLA. (WSVN) - The relentless heatwave has been taking its toll not only on humans but also on marine life, particularly coral reefs.
On Tuesday, a group of scientists from the University of Miami (UM) is hoping to tackle the situation as they gathered in Key Biscayne.
The impacts of the heatwave are evident as coral reefs are already showing signs of bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel the algae that live in their tissues, causing them to turn white and making them more susceptible to mortality.
Temperature readings have surged to or even exceeded 100 degrees, posing a severe threat to these crucial components of our ecosystem.
Coral Reef Futures Lab Facilities Manager, Cameron McMath, highlighted the concerning impact of the record-breaking temperatures that have persisted for up to 16 to 17 days straight.
UM’s Rosenstiel School, recognizing the urgency to preserve these vital marine habitats, has taken decisive action. Scientists are embarking on a mission to rescue and rehabilitate coral from offshore locations and transport them to their facility off Virginia Key.
“We essentially put them in temperature-controlled tanks,” said McMath. “We’re trying to save as much of the genotypes as possible.”
The scientists aim to provide a safe environment that shields the coral from the harsh effects of the scorching ocean temperatures.
“We can’t really change the temperatures we’re experiencing out there,” said McMath, “But we can start to prep these corals in our labs and start putting out stronger, more thermally tolerant corals that will have a better chance at surviving.”
The scientists’ efforts go beyond immediate rescue measures. By monitoring the offshore coral for bleaching, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing coral resilience and devise improved strategies for restoration.
“There are corals that can live in hotter water,” said another researcher. “We just have to find them and try to repopulate with them.”
Coral reefs play an essential role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat and sustenance to numerous marine species. Their preservation is not only crucial for marine biodiversity but also for coastal protection and tourism.
“There are far more industries that are impacted than just the fisheries,” said McMath. “We’re looking at our food supply, we’re looking at our coastal protection, so all city infrastructure in Miami is at risk if we lose these corals.”
UM’s approach to rescuing and rehabilitating coral sets a significant precedent in addressing the challenges posed by climate change on marine life. As the heatwave persists, the race to save coral reefs and ensure their survival becomes more vital than ever before.
The research team have been working for nearly a decade in hopes of developing a more heat tolerant species or breed of coral in South Florida.
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