A heartwarming homecoming recently unfolded, as dozens of coral species have been safely returned to the Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach after being evacuated ahead of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. These vital organisms, essential to Florida’s ecosystem and economy, are now back under the care of biologists eager to continue their conservation efforts.

White coolers filled with delicate coral colonies arrived at the research center, marking a return to normalcy after weeks of being housed at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

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“It’s exciting to have them back,” Emily Williams, Senior Coral Biologist at the Florida Aquarium, told Fox 13 Tampa Bay. “We get pretty attached to our colonies, so it was bittersweet to see them go. But we knew they were in safe hands.”

Critical Role of Coral

The corals, each unique in shape and color, play a fundamental role in supporting Florida’s marine ecosystem and coastal economy.

“Florida’s beautiful beaches, diving spots, and fishing industries all rely on coral reefs,” Williams explained. “They protect shorelines from erosion and hurricane storm surges and provide habitats for fish crucial to both sport fishing and food industries.”

This underscores the importance of protecting and studying these colonies.

A Coordinated Evacuation Effort

Ahead of the storms, scientists transported more than 4,000 coral specimens to Atlanta in a carefully coordinated operation. The effort involved extensive planning to ensure the corals remained safe and stable during the journey.

“This evacuation required significant teamwork and logistical precision,” Williams said. “We needed a large volume of water to keep the corals comfortable during transport.”

Back to Conservation

On November 20, researchers began the meticulous process of returning the corals to their tanks, where they will continue to be nurtured and studied. The center serves as a hub for growing and breeding coral colonies, which are crucial for advancing research and enhancing environmental resilience.

“Our ability to study corals underwater is limited, so having them here allows us to conduct more in-depth observations,” Williams said. “We’re also able to breed them, increasing genetic diversity and identifying colonies that are more resistant to heat and disease. These efforts are critical in ensuring their survival in a changing climate.”

With the corals safely back home, the Florida Aquarium’s team is poised to continue its vital work, ensuring the preservation and resilience of these essential marine organisms.

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(Image credit: Florida Aquarium)