– A coalition of groups mobilizes efforts in the Florida Keys
– Coral succumbs to historic bleaching due to rising sea temperatures
– Local businesses fear potential economic consequences
Heroes Rallied for the Coral Calamity
As ocean temperatures creep towards an alarming high, a coalition of conservation organizations and scientific institutions has rallied their efforts in the Florida Keys. Their mission? To rescue coral from what can only be described as historic bleaching.
Climate change is the usual suspect in this environmental whodunit. Warming oceans are causing widespread coral bleaching, a phenomenon that sees the vital organisms expel the algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white.
DTOX: the Underwater Avengers
At the front line of these environmental efforts is DTOX, a group formed to specifically combat coral bleaching in Florida. They’ve been working tirelessly to rescue as many coral specimens as possible and enlist them in a breeding program – a literal lifeboat in a sea of rising temperatures.
In addition, local businesses are increasingly concerned about the potential economic fallout from the bleaching event. The Florida Keys’ economy leans heavily on tourism – with many visitors drawn to the stunning coral reefs.
The Breezy Take
The coral bleaching crisis in the Florida Keys is dire and requires urgent action. Luckily, a legion of groups is rising to the challenge with determined efforts to save the coral from further destruction. It’s comforting to see that in the face of adversity, unity and action prevail. However, the threat posed by climate change and warmer oceans remains a harsh reality. While the immediate rescue efforts are needed, they are a band-aid solution. The real cure lies in bold, definitive steps to combat climate change, which will ensure the long-term survival of our precious coral reefs and the economies that depend on them.
Original article: https://apnews.com/video/florida-disaster-planning-and-response-corals-biology-oceans-3022507a31a441d78ffebbaa82c4f063