Coral Reefs

Left to nature, coral’s mating prospects are somewhat restricted by their inability to walk, fly or swipe Tinder to find a mate.

Rising ocean temperatures and diseases continue to stress Florida's coral reefs. Sarasota scientists managed to breed one of the most difficult species to keep in captivity.

A draft update to the state's water quality rules omits a recommendation to set stricter limits on turbidity that can damage imperiled reefs.

A Florida county is in talks to acquire a storied but aging ocean liner in a proposed deal that could create the largest artificial reef in the world. But the plan hit a snag Tuesday, after local officials in coastal Okaloosa County in the Florida panhandle postponed a vote on the plan to buy and purposefully sink the SS United States.

"By freezing these larvae, they can be held for literally hundreds of years," said Keri O'Neil with the Florida Aquarium.

Despite the dedicated efforts of scientists, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced this week that no wild elkhorn — a species valued for its tough wave-shredding antlers and listed as an endangered species — could be found south of the Upper Keys.

North America’s only barrier reef is withering from heat and disease. Can efforts to preserve and propagate the corals at land-based facilities save them?

This week on The Florida Roundup, we went to Key West for a special show with a live studio audience. First, we spoke with former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Then, we were joined by WLRN’s environment editor Jenny Staletovich to talk about warming ocean waters and coral reef restoration. And later, we heard from Julia Cooper, WLRN reporter covering the Florida Keys.

After last year's lethal marine heat wave, coral scientists are looking at ways to help coral survive another potential round of dangerous bleaching.

Taurus will take its first deep-sea mission in late July. It will be able to take tissue samples from deep-water sharks and help restore and repair coral communities.

A deluge of rain and consistently overcast skies earlier this month helped keep scorching temperatures at bay — at least for now.

Scientists working to save Florida’s ailing reef hope Caribbean coral thriving in hotter water could bring some relief.