South Florida is home to the only barrier reef in the continental United States. But does it matter to people on land that the corals – like anywhere else in the world — are bleaching? To answer our readers’ questions, we spoke to Shannon Jones, senior director of conservation & biological programs at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami.
Why does that matter to people in South Florida?
Jones: Coral reefs protect South Florida’s coastlines by reducing wave energy during storms and hurricanes. They’re also vital for marine biodiversity. About a quarter of all ocean species depend on reefs. On land, reefs support jobs in tourism, diving, and fishing, and they help keep our coastal communities safe. When reefs bleach and die, the ripple effects reach far beyond the ocean, especially here in South Florida.
What exactly is coral bleaching?…