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Florida Corals Declared Extinct After Devastating Heatwave

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Science confirms Florida's staghorn and elkhorn corals are functionally extinct after the 2023 marine heatwave.
Researchers surveyed 52,000 coral colonies and recorded 98–100% mortality in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas.
Ocean temperatures exceeded 90 degrees for nearly three months, driving unprecedented bleaching.
Dr. Ross Cunning emphasized immediate measures to protect reef-building species and warned that without climate action, more coral species may face extinction.

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Story summary

Science confirms Florida's staghorn and elkhorn corals are functionally extinct after the 2023 marine heatwave.
Researchers surveyed 52,000 coral colonies and recorded 98–100% mortality in the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas.
Ocean temperatures exceeded 90 degrees for nearly three months, driving unprecedented bleaching.
Dr. Ross Cunning emphasized immediate measures to protect reef-building species and warned that without climate action, more coral species may face extinction.