Florida’s Coral Reef, stretching 350 miles, is a vital habitat for a quarter of all marine life, but it is facing unprecedented challenges. Invasive species like lionfish, stony coral tissue loss disease, and rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change have taken a devastating toll on this precious ecosystem. There is hope on the horizon in the form of thousands of baby corals.
One of the most significant threats, stony coral tissue loss disease, first appeared in the upper Keys in 2014 and has now spread throughout the reef, killing vast sections of coral.
Scientists rescued corals ahead of disease progression with the goal of safeguarding their genetic diversity and breeding disease and heat resistant corals. Genetic diversity is critical for the long-term survival of coral species, and breeding programs are now focused on creating resilient corals that can withstand rising ocean temperatures and disease.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC), a hidden gem in Orlando, housing the largest collection of rescued Florida corals in the world. Established through partnerships with organizations like Disney, SeaWorld, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, FCRC allows coral aquarists to advance the science of coral care, like observing the reproduction of threatened species, in addition to saving our reef.
In a shining example of hope, thousands of baby corals were born at FCRC recently. These tiny, resilient bundles of joy represent the future of Florida’s Coral Reef. They’re the foundation of restoration efforts aimed at repopulating our reefs with genetically diverse and disease-resistant corals. But their journey is just beginning, and they need our help.
Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we’ve been able to provide significant support to FCRC and researchers working against the clock to save our coral reef. But there’s still more work to do, and we can’t do it alone. Join us in protecting Florida’s Coral Reef. Donate today or purchase a Discover Florida’s Oceans plate and help protect our reef for future generations to come.
