70% of Florida’s Coral Reefs Are Eroding

The Florida Reef Tract is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States and the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world. Credit: NASA

The largest spatial assessment to date highlights the need for improved management practices and coral restoration efforts in Florida.

According to recent research, 70% of Florida’s reefs are eroding and suffering a net loss of reef habitat. The study, carried out by an interdisciplinary team of scientists through the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Science’s DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23394-4The study was funded by the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.