Two key coral species functionally extinct in Florida reefs

The record-breaking heat wave in 2023 has been pinpointed by scientists as the cause of two key coral species extinctions in Florida's reefs, this according to a study published on October 23 in the journal Science. In the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas, 97.8-100% of the

Acropora palmata

and

Acropora cervicornis

colonies, commonly known as elkhorn and staghorn corals, died.

Their loss marks a critical blow to reef ecosystems, which rely on their fast growth and branching structures to support marine life and buffer coastlines from storms.

Indeed, the transformation of a vibrant coral reef into a ghostly white expanse is one of the most alarming signs of a warming planet. Coral bleaching doesn’t just erase color from the ocean—it threatens marine ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Click on to learn what coral bleaching is, what causes it, and what can still be done to prevent it.