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In South Florida, where the Everglades meet the bays, environmental challenges abound. Sea level rise threatens homes and real estate. Invasive species imperil native plants and animals. Pesticides reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, but at what cost? WLRN's award-winning environment reporting strives to capture the color and complexity of human interaction with one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet.

Saving Florida's Coral Reefs

Florida's coral reefs are in trouble. Scientists say they've been declining for decades.

But researchers have very recently come up with some exciting results that they say show promise in restoring these beautiful and important marine communities.

This week on Florida Matters we talk with experts who work in the field about the fight to save coral reefsin our state and around the world.

We learn about the mysterious coral, which some may not realize is an animal.

We talk about the threats coral reefs face in our waters and how it has become more difficult for them to reproduce.

RELATED:  FL Aquarium Announces First Atlantic Coral Spawning

We also learn about the new techniques scientists are using to restore coral reefs in the hopes of preserving these species for centuries to come.

Our guests include:

Keri O'Neil, also known as the  "Coral Whisperer," Senior Coral Scientist at the Florida Aquarium

Roger Germann, President and CEO of the  Florida Aquarium

Erinn Muller, Science Director of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research at  Mote Marine Labratory and Aquarium

Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7.

Scientist Keri O'Neil observes brain coral in the Florida Aquarium's laboratory.
Steve Newborn / WUSF Public Media
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WUSF Public Media
Scientist Keri O'Neil observes brain coral in the Florida Aquarium's laboratory.

Stephanie Colombini joined WUSF Public Media in December 2016 as Producer of Florida Matters,WUSF’s public affairs show. She’s also a reporter for WUSF’s Health News Florida project.
Steve Newborn is WUSF's assistant news director as well as a reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.
Robin is Senior Editor at WUSF, spearheading the station's podcasting initiatives and helping to guide the vision for special reporting projects and creative storytelling. She hosts the weekly current affairs program, Florida Matters, on WUSF and also created The Zest, the station's podcast that's all about food, which she continues to host and serve as senior producer.
Mary Shedden is news director at WUSF Public Media, where she oversees a team of reporters covering 13 counties on Florida’s west coast.
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