South Florida’s coral reefs are recovering from a record-breaking bleaching event in 2023 that damaged marine ecosystems and disrupted local fishing. The heat wiped out large sections of coral, and effects on fish populations are still visible today.
Emily Jackson, a doctoral student at FIU’s Tropical Fish Ecology Lab, explains the relationship between sealife and coral.
“There’s a well-documented relationship between the loss of fish diversity and coral decline,” Jackson explained.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration now predicts a 60% chance of another global bleaching event this summer. While South Florida may avoid the worst, coastal communities remain on alert and prepare to respond quickly.
The Coral Restoration Foundation is one of several groups working to rebuild reefs. Their coral nurseries are designed to resist bleaching with innovative shades for their coral trees, giving hope that restoration efforts can outpace the damage.
