Florida loses corals as the ocean absorbs heat, researchers say

Local 10 News reported on the corals, sponges, and sea life imperiled as record ocean heat drives down oxygen off South Florida — with a buoy at Manatee Bay registering 101°F and scientists alarmed to see bleaching begin as early as July. Miami Waterkeeper’s Rachel Silverstein warned the region is on the brink of an ocean heat wave emergency: “We have high rates of coral death when they’re in that condition, they’re very fragile.”