Midlers mentioned that no other Atlantic species reaches such dimensions or establishes extensive lattices.
“They are the sole species capable of creating a genuine 3D structure,” she stated.
To the north, around Miami and Broward counties, some remnants of corals exist. However, researchers believe a revival is highly improbable. Corals reproduce by emitting eggs and sperm that mingle in the water, but ocean currents hinder the movement of these reproductive cells southward, according to Canning.
While the study zooms in on Florida, the 2023 heatwave significantly affected elkhorn and staghorn corals throughout the Caribbean, as reported by external researchers.
Stacey Williams, the scientific director of ISER Caribe—a nonprofit dedicated to coral restoration—mentioned that nearly all elkhorn corals in southern Puerto Rico perished due to the extreme heat. Following that, the 2024 heat wave harmed some northern colonies that had demonstrated greater resilience. Her organization aims to “biobank coral species” by collecting living fragments.
In Florida, the 2023 heat wave jeopardized a long-term restoration effort for elkhorn and staghorn corals, including areas where coral coverage had improved after four years of focused interventions. Approximately fourfold.
The study suggests that importing heat-resistant corals from elsewhere may be the only viable option moving forward.
In the future, scientists might explore gene-editing corals to enhance their heat resistance, although this concept necessitates more research and careful examination, as noted by Midlers.
Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature approved further investigation into the potential of gene-editing tools to safeguard wildlife populations, a subject that generates significant bioethical debate.
“It’s a possibility being considered because everything is on the table,” Midlers remarked.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
