|
Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative
When it comes to coral reefs in Florida, the Florida Keys draw national and international interest and research as the home of the third largest coral reef tract in the world. However, what is less seldom recognized is that this reef tract extends northward, up Florida's east coast, through Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties to Hobe Sound, off the Martin County coast. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the health of the reef and its associated biological community is declining in these waters. Numbers and sizes of fishes appear to be decreasing. The reefs themselves are immobile. They cannot move out of harm's way when a tanker goes off course and runs aground; or when runoff mixed with biologically weakening chemicals enters the waters that surround a reef; or an explosion of algae covers the reefs, separating them from the light they need to survive. Many of the negative impacts to reefs are unintentional.  Impacts from activities conducted by users unaware of the presence and vulnerability of the reef could be reduced through a combination of strategies to increase awareness and refine some use practices. Much of this reef decline has yet to be scientifically documented. Crucial questions relating to the health of the reefs off the southeast Florida coast should be addressed scientifically, and strategic actions developed that positively affect coral reef health. So, what is being done about it?
Each species on the reef—whether it be a sponge, corals, algae, or a yellow French Grunt — has an ecological role. The collective work of these reef residents creates a healthy community. Photo courtesy of Broward County EPD.
|
