Florida coral reefs declared functionally extinct after 2023 heatwave, shocking scientists worldwide

A record 2023 heatwave has devastated Florida’s coral reefs. (image: Canva)

Florida’s iconic coral reef system has suffered a major collapse. Key reef-building species are now functionally extinct. The ecosystem has crossed a dangerous tipping point. Scientists warn the change may be irreversible. Communities face rising threats from storms.

A record marine heatwave struck in 2023. Water temperatures rose to extreme levels. Elkhorn and staghorn corals suffered near-total death. Bleaching turned into rapid destruction. Once-dominant species can no longer build reefs.

These corals form the reef’s main structure. Their loss weakens coastal protection barriers. Storm surges may hit shores harder. Marine habitats lose safe breeding grounds. Tourism and fisheries face economic pressure.

Experts call this a wake-up moment. The reef cannot recover unaided anymore. Multiple stresses caused heavy decline. Pollution and disease worsened the heat damage. Urgent climate action is needed now.

The crisis is centred in southern Florida. The Florida Reef Tract runs offshore for miles. The crash escalated during the 2023 summer. A region already weakened collapsed fast. The scientists recorded unprecedented mortality.

Researchers are growing corals in labs. Efforts aim to restore genetic resilience. But success depends on cooler oceans. Future heatwaves could erase progress again. Time is running dangerously short.