Coral Reef Awareness
Tampa, Florida
Did you know Florida is home to the only coral reef system in the continental United States? Our state is home to significant marine resources such as the barrier reef, in shore fringing reefs, patch reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove fringed islands. There are over 40 species of corals which help grow the coral reef, providing food and shelter for plants and animals. This network supports over 6,000 species of marine life!
How do coral reefs form?
Reefs are formed extremely slowly, growing around 0.5 - 7 inches per year. They extract calcium and carbon dioxide from the water and help create limestone to form the reef backbone!
What types of coral reefs exist in Florida?
Florida's coral reef is home to many different types of reefs. It is most similar to a barrier reef, which will sometimes be called a “bank-barrier reef”. There are some areas of Florida which also have smaller backyard sized “patch reefs”, as well as one “atoll reef” formed by a meteor located in the Marquesas Keys!
How are Florida's coral reefs doing?
Over the past 20 years, Florida's coral reefs have faced local and global challenges. These challenges range from recreational and commercial activities, coastal development, pollution, water temperature change, and wetland infilling, amongst other things.
These challenges have resulted in more frequent coral bleaching events, coral disease, and coral species being listed as threatened under the endangered species act.
What can be done to protect corals?
Multiple agencies such as the Florida DEP, Florida FWCC, NOAA, and NPS are helping institute plans and protections to help support Florida's reefs. Coral nurseries have also been established to help with new colonie growth, and relocation of corals.
What can we do to protect corals?
Some practices to consider to help protect the coral environment:
- Pollution, Products, & Litter: carefully and safely dispose of unwanted items
- Fishing: Choose sustainable fishing practices
- Boating: Prevent boat and anchor contact with coral colonies and nearby habitats.
- Carbon Footprint: make small changes to reduce the stress of climate change on reefs.
What is Reef Kids Dental doing to support corals?
We have decided to support the non-profit Ocean Rescue Alliance International, a local Hillsborough County-based non-profit organization. ORAI helps conduct research and marine habitat restoration, protect coastlines, enhance marine environments, and educate local children on marine life and reef importance. ORAI Also helps to create and install artificial reefs in Florida!
Within our practice, we routinely help educate and provide services to our patients to lower the risk of cavities. One method for risk reduction is through the protective practice of placing dental sealants on adult molars. For every patient who receives protective sealants, we will make a contribution towards ORAI which will help fund protecting our local marine ecosystem.