International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 3 (May-June 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

Uncovering Coral Health: A Comprehensive Exploratory Analysis of Florida Keys Reef Ecosystems

Author(s) Ms Dhruvi Umesh Dhaka
Country India
Abstract This report presents a detailed exploratory analysis of coral reef health in the Florida Keys using long-term monitoring data from the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project (CREMP) spanning 2000–2022. Key findings highlight a dramatic decline in stony coral cover, with many regions showing reductions from over 30% to under 10%. The analysis reveals a consistent loss in coral species richness, particularly in the Upper and Middle Keys, while some sites in the Lower Keys demonstrated relative resilience. Notably, octocorals, previously considered climate-resilient, are now showing increased sensitivity to sea surface temperature anomalies. Correlation analyses underscore the complex interplay between coral density, biodiversity, and thermal stress. Spatial patterns identify ecologically stable reefs, such as Looe Key, as strategic priorities for conservation. The study concludes with policy recommendations that emphasize integrated climate adaptation, marine protected area (MPA) expansion, nutrient pollution control, and community-led reef restoration.
Keywords Florida Keys, coral reef health, stony corals, octocorals, species richness, marine heatwaves, sea surface temperature, CREMP, biodiversity, ecological resilience, marine protected areas, coral bleaching, reef restoration, environmental stressors, conservation planning.
Field Biology
Published In Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On 2025-04-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.43084
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9g76n

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