Tag: Coral Ecosystems

Using blushing coral star and genomic DNA analyses, researchers have uncovered vital links between coral populations at varying depths. They identified four distinct genetic lineages, finding strong connectivity between shallow and mesophotic populations. Importantly, mesophotic reefs emerged as crucial reproductive sources, particularly in the Lower and Upper Keys. Corals from these deeper zones hold significant potential to replenish and restore the declining shallow reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.