These iconic corals are nearly extinct due to heatwaves: can they be saved?

Two iconic coral species, elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (Acropora cervicornis), have been declared functionally extinct off Florida's southern coast following a record-setting heatwave in 2023. The study published in Science indicates that these corals, which have thrived for over 10,000 years, can no longer play a significant role in the ecosystem due to extensive mortality rates of up to 100% across much of Florida's reef system. Ocean temperatures exceeded 31 °C for nearly 41 days, leading to unprecedented heat exposure and coral die-offs. This event marks an end to two decades of conservation efforts focused on laboratory cultivation and ocean replanting of these species. Despite the grim findings, scientists emphasize a need for shifting conservation strategies rather than giving up hope entirely.