Amidst Global Coral Decline, Texas’s Underwater Reefs Exhibit Remarkable Health

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Off the distant shores of Texas, a remarkable undersea landscape reveals itself to divers. Beneath the ocean’s surface, a vibrant expanse of coral blankets undersea mountains in vivid hues of yellow, orange, and pink. This stunning seascape, located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico, is part of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Here, corals thrive in a deep, cool environment, a stark contrast to the global trend of coral deterioration due to climate change.

Michelle Johnston, the acting superintendent and research coordinator for the sanctuary, highlights the rarity of witnessing such extensive coral presence. “It’s an extraordinary sight, one that’s becoming increasingly scarce in modern times,” she remarked.

Despite this year’s moderate bleaching, the sanctuary’s corals have largely withstood the summer’s extreme heat, a resilience not seen in many other reefs globally. However, Johnston emphasizes the precarious nature of their existence, noting that prolonged warm waters lead to coral bleaching, leaving them susceptible to disease and death.

Florida’s massive coral reef, the third-largest in the world, faced unprecedented bleaching this summer. Derek Manzello, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Watch, warns that at least 35 countries and territories have experienced significant coral bleaching this year. He predicts that by 2040, annual severe bleaching could afflict all of the world’s coral, a scenario that could severely hinder their recovery.

In contrast, the Flower Garden Banks stand out for their robustness and resilience. Even in years with more severe bleaching, the sanctuary has shown a remarkable capacity for recovery, aided by its overall health and depth. A forthcoming report aims to assess the sanctuary’s vulnerability to projected climate change impacts.

Notable for its extensive coral coverage, the sanctuary boasts over 50 percent coral cover in some areas, significantly higher than the 10 percent in the Caribbean and Northwest Atlantic region. Its corals, situated about 60 feet (18 meters) below the surface, benefit from the deeper surrounding waters.

The sanctuary’s history dates back to the early 1900s when fishermen first reported seeing colorful underwater gardens. It was not until the 1960s that scientists confirmed the existence of these thriving reefs. The presence of salt domes, which elevate the corals to catch sunlight, has been crucial to their flourishing.

Divers from across the globe visit the sanctuary, attracted by its vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Andy Lewis, a Houston attorney and president of Texas Caribbean Charters, shares his personal connection to the sanctuary, which he describes as an adventure and a vital part of his life.

The sanctuary’s expansion in 2021 to include 17 separate banks covering 160 square miles (414 square kilometers) highlights its significance. Efforts to preserve the reefs’ health include managing mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage and removing invasive species. Manzello emphasizes the importance of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions alongside local conservation actions.

Coral reefs, which support about a quarter of all marine species during their life cycle, are also crucial economic drivers through commercial fishing and tourism. The Flower Garden Banks serve as a potential model for restoring other coral reefs globally.

Researchers at Galveston Island’s Moody Gardens are studying the sanctuary’s corals, including their genetics, to better understand and protect these vital ecosystems. The knowledge gained from the Flower Garden Banks is also aiding in the restoration of other Gulf reefs affected by oil spills and other environmental impacts.

The report concludes with a focus on the sanctuary’s broader significance, highlighting its role in understanding and preserving coral ecosystems amid global climate challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Flower Garden Banks Sanctuary

More about Flower Garden Banks Sanctuary

• Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
• Coral Reef Conservation Program
• Climate Change and Coral Reefs
• Marine Sanctuaries and Protected Areas
• Coral Bleaching and Climate Change
• Gulf of Mexico Biodiversity
• Marine Biology Research