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Saving Florida's Coral Reefs

Florida's coral reefs are in trouble. Scientists say they've been declining for decades.

But researchers have very recently come up with some exciting results that they say show promise in restoring these beautiful and important marine communities.

This week on Florida Matters we talk with experts who work in the field about the fight to save coral reefsin our state and around the world.

We learn about the mysterious coral, which some may not realize is an animal.

We talk about the threats coral reefs face in our waters and how it has become more difficult for them to reproduce.

RELATED: FL Aquarium Announces First Atlantic Coral Spawning

We also learn about the new techniques scientists are using to restore coral reefs in the hopes of preserving these species for centuries to come.

Our guests include:

Keri O'Neil, also known as the "Coral Whisperer," Senior Coral Scientist at the Florida Aquarium

Roger Germann, President and CEO of the Florida Aquarium

Erinn Muller, Science Director of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research at Mote Marine Labratory and Aquarium

I cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
Steve Newborn is a WUSF reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.
Robin Sussingham was Senior Editor at WUSF until September 2020.
I’m the lucky one who guides the WUSF News team as it shares news from across Florida and the 13 amazing counties that we call the greater Tampa Bay region.