Program aims to regrow, protect Florida coral reefs after high heat impact

Rising temperatures are not only causing intense heat outside but are also affecting the health of Florida's coral reef. When the temperature reaches above 87 degrees, the coral starts to have an adverse reaction to the "high light intensity." "Corals start going bananas with this in their tissues," Dr. Jason Spadaro, the program manager of Mote Marine's Coral Reef Restoration Program, said. "If that stress stays around long enough and those reactive oxygen species are concentrated enough, they'll eject all of their symbiotic algae."