Growing coral to restore the Florida Reef
CBS America · New
CBS America
New
The warming ocean waters off the Florida coast have had a devastating impact on Florida's coral reef. Manuel Bojorquez reports on how scientists now believe they have found at least one way to give the coral a fighting chance.
Breakdown
- Florida's coral reef has been devastated by warming ocean waters, losing over 95% of its Elkhorn coral population.
- Scientists identified the need for greater genetic diversity and turned to heat-resistant Elkhorn coral from Honduras. 1m 16s
- Permits were obtained to transport Honduran coral fragments to the US for crossbreeding with Florida's native coral. 1m 32s
- This marks the first time an international cross of corals has been permitted for outplanting on wild reefs. 1m 50s
- Researchers hope the new 'Flanduran' coral population will help protect Florida's coastline and restore the reef. 2m 33s