MIAMI – Two iconic coral species, staghorn and elkhorn, are now functionally extinct in Florida’s reefs, according to a new study documenting decades of decline and recent devastation witnessed firsthand by researchers. The findings, published this month, confirm the widespread bleaching and mortality events that have decimated these crucial reef-building corals, once dominant throughout the Florida Keys.
The loss of staghorn and elkhorn corals represents a critical blow to the Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. These species provided vital habitat for a quarter of all marine life in the ocean,supported fisheries and tourism industries worth billions,and protected coastlines from erosion. Their functional extinction – meaning thay no longer play a significant role in reef ecosystems - underscores the accelerating impact of climate change and rising ocean temperatures on coral reefs globally, and raises urgent questions about the future of restoration efforts.
Researchers, including Maya Gomez, have been documenting the decline for years, observing the increasing frequency and severity of bleaching events. “We’ve watched the reef’s bleaching and devastation unfold,” Gomez stated, emphasizing the direct observation of the corals’ demise. The study highlights advancements in coral propagation techniques like microfragmentation and cryopreservation – methods to speed up coral growth and preserve genetic diversity – as potential tools for future restoration.
However, the study also cautions that restoration efforts will be futile without significant reductions in global carbon emissions. Ocean temperatures are rising, and even successful coral replanting could be wiped out by subsequent heat waves.A recent analysis indicates disagreement among scientists regarding the feasibility of scaling up reef restoration to recover entire ecosystems.
The functional extinction of staghorn and elkhorn corals serves as a stark warning about the vulnerability of coral reefs worldwide. While innovative restoration techniques offer a glimmer of hope,the long-term survival of these ecosystems hinges on addressing the root cause: climate change and the urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
