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Florida Corals Face Extinction Amid Record Heatwave

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A recent study shows that in 2023 a severe marine heatwave pushed Florida's ocean temperatures to their highest in over 150 years, rendering staghorn and elkhorn corals functionally extinct.
Mortality in southern Florida reached 98% to 100%, threatening the corals' ecological roles in reef ecosystems.
Scientists warn that without immediate climate action, true extinctions could occur, and coastal protection would be affected.

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Story summary

A recent study shows that in 2023 a severe marine heatwave pushed Florida's ocean temperatures to their highest in over 150 years, rendering staghorn and elkhorn corals functionally extinct.
Mortality in southern Florida reached 98% to 100%, threatening the corals' ecological roles in reef ecosystems.
Scientists warn that without immediate climate action, true extinctions could occur, and coastal protection would be affected.