Are there coral reefs in florida

Back To Top. Coral Restoration at Work in Florida The Challenge Coral reefs have been in decline in Florida since the s due to a combination of stressors, some that still exist and some that have largely been reduced. The Solution Many organizations throughout Florida are working in partnership to help jump-start reef recovery by propagating corals and outplanting them to degraded sites.

States,Territories, and Commonwealths. Reef Base Coral Bleaching Reports. Select " U. Coral Reef Watch - Florida Keys. Continuous bottom temperature measurements in strategic areas of the Florida Reef Tract. Aquarius Reef Base - Education and Outreach. Reef Relief Home Page. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

South Florida Water Management District. This includes ones important to fishing like spiny lobster, snapper and grouper. Coral reefs lay the foundation of a dynamic ecosystem with tremendous biodiversity. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. Florida's Coral Reef came into existence 10, years ago when sea levels rose following the last Ice Age.

Reef growth is relatively slow; individual colonies grow only one-half inch to seven inches a year, depending on the species. Coral reefs are in a constant state of flux, where new polyps the living tissue grow on the outer surface while their skeleton erodes to help make the white sand for our beaches. During long periods of favorable conditions, the reefs may reach awe-inspiring heights and diversity. Corals are animals that have a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae.

The corals benefit from the nutrients and oxygen that the symbionts provide through photosynthesis, and the symbionts receive nutrients and protection from the corals. The symbionts also give the corals their beautiful spectrum of colors. Lucie Inlet in Martin County. These reefs support a rich and diverse assemblage of stony corals, soft corals, macroalgae, sponges, fishes.

Through its supporting membership on the U. Coral Reef Task Force and the U. The Coral Reef Conservation Program is also charged with coordinating responses to vessel groundings and anchor damage incidents in southeast Florida state waters and developing strategies to prevent coral reef injuries, under the Coral Reef Protection Act.

Mangroves serve as nurseries for fish that are caught recreationally and commercially. Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves is also part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail , a 1,mile trail that encompasses every coastal Florida habitat type. Most park visitors come by boat, and can find a medley of colorful sights and exhilarating movement on the reef. Here, elkhorn corals, sea fans and brain corals create living coral community centers for sea turtles, nurse sharks and over species of reef fish that are diverse in color, shape, size and behavior.