What's happened
Researchers from Nova Southeastern University and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi have relocated staghorn corals from Florida to Texas to protect them from climate change impacts. This initiative follows a severe coral bleaching event in 2023, which devastated coral populations in the Florida Keys.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Rebecca Falconer from Axios, the relocation of corals acts as a safeguard against climate change, emphasizing the alarming conditions faced by coral reefs. Keisha Bahr from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi highlighted the ongoing threats to coral ecosystems, stating, 'The waters are exceptionally warm, and NOAA has just issued a bleaching alert level 2.' In contrast, The Guardian reported on the success of young corals bred through IVF, noting that 90% survived last year's heatwave, while older corals struggled. This indicates a potential path forward for coral restoration efforts.
How we got here
Coral reefs have been declining due to climate change and human activities since the 1970s. The 2023 marine heatwave caused significant coral bleaching, prompting researchers to relocate corals to safeguard their genetic diversity and enhance survival chances.
More on these topics
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Nova Southeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida. The university consists of 18 total colleges, centers, and schools offering over 150 programs of study.