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Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is a threatened species protected by the Endangered Species Act and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Last summer, an ocean heatwave impacted coral reefs throughout much of the western Atlantic, but especially in the southern Florida Keys. SPCMSC Research Marine Biologist, Ilsa Kuffner, was interviewed by Jenny Staletovich at WLRN Public Media regarding context and response to a NOAA story released on August 14 reporting that all Florida elkhorn south of Key Largo was killed because of the heat stress. Elkhorn coral is of particular importance to coastal resilience because it is the only coral species that builds the reef crest—a part of the reef responsible for dampening wave energy as it approaches shorelines. Kuffner says that USGS science is ongoing to help agencies make decisions about the best ways to protect and restore elkhorn coral populations in places where they are essential for shoreline protection.

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