Staghorn and Elkhorn Coral Are Functionally Extinct Off Florida, Researchers Say

Researchers have declared elkhorn and staghorn coral functionally extinct off Florida's reefs following a record-breaking marine heat wave in 2023. These historically significant coral species, crucial for reef habitat creation and coastal protection, are now virtually absent from the state’s reef except for some northern sections where they remain too diminished to significantly impact their ecosystem. This event marks the ninth mass bleaching incident since 1987, with corals experiencing heat stress two to four times greater than any previous year on record. The loss of these coral species exemplifies the severe impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems worldwide.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories