Coral Rescue: Scientists Move Fragments to Save Species | Miami News

Scientists are racing against time to save elkhorn coral from extinction by relocating 30 fragments to a land-based hatchery, fearing a catastrophic bleaching event this summer fueled by rising ocean temperatures. Already functionally extinct along Florida’s coast, these corals can’t reproduce naturally due to their scattered populations. With predictions that 2026 could be worse than 2023, researchers are acting fast as heat stress mounts and recovery windows shrink. Coral reefs aren’t just beautiful—they’re vital to fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism. This marks the fourth major bleaching event in Florida’s reefs in just ten years. By preserving genetic diversity across locations, scientists hope to safeguard traits that could help corals survive future climate shocks. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3355b87965a5eac1