Florida’s coral reefs finally caught a break this summer after a run of dangerous conditions that included months of historically hot ocean temperatures and the world’s fourth global coral bleaching event.
Ocean waters this year have been slightly cooler than they were in 2023, which scientists say could mean less late-summer bleaching. Notable too is that a few hardy coral strains successfully reproduced at the end of August — despite all the stress of the past year.
The new corals have sparked bittersweet feelings, said Alice Grainger, senior director of strategic engagement at the Coral Restoration Foundation, a marine conservation nonprofit which manages a number of coral nurseries in Florida. Only four genetically distinct coral variants were able to spawn this summer — typically, there would be about 20.
“On the one hand, it is disappointing that we didn’t see more,” she said in an interview with POLITICO’s E&E News. “But on the other hand, it’s also incredible that even four of them did spawn given how incredibly stressed these animals have been — not only through last year, but also this year. The fact that even one of these spawned I think is a small glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a pretty dark time for coral reefs in Florida.”
