Record Florida ocean temperatures may be 'death knell' for coral reefs, expert fears

[marmar]

TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) — “I have never been so worried for the future of Florida’s reefs.” This is the reaction of coral scientist Bill Precht to the record hot ocean temperatures surrounding South Florida right now.

Precht is a coral reef scientist based in Miami who’s been studying coral reefs for the past 45 years. WFLA’s Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli spoke to Precht on Monday.

“Based on what I have seen throughout my career – and what I am seeing unfold so far this summer — if greater than 90% of what’s left gets whacked – there will essentially be nothing left,” Precht said, “This is the scary reality. This is not science fiction.”

....(snip)....

But right now water temperatures are even higher, averaging around 90F, with some pockets as high as 95, or an outlandish 97. Even for a hot place like South Florida in July, this is “off the charts”. .............(more)

https://www.wfla.com/weather/climate-classroom/record-florida-ocean-temperatures-may-be-death-knell-for-coral-reefs-expert-fears/