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NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)September 12, 2026Hillsborough County

Scientists Spawn Endangered Elkhorn Coral in Key Largo Nursery to Revive Barrier Reef

Photo: WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)

Scientists spawned the largest collection of Florida's most endangered elkhorn coral in a Key Largo nursery in late August and early September, with thousands of baby corals now being raised in labs across the state to revive North America's only barrier reef.

Coral Reef RestorationEndangered SpeciesMarine BiologyConservation
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)

Why It Matters

The survival and growth of these endangered coral babies directly impacts the restoration efforts for North America's only barrier reef.

Key Facts

  • The largest collection of Florida's most endangered coral spawned in a Key Largo nursery in late August and early September.
  • Thousands of baby corals are currently being raised in laboratories around the state.
  • Scientists hope the coral babies will help revive elkhorn coral on North America's only barrier reef.

Who's Mentioned

locationNorth America“Location of the barrier reef targeted for revival.”locationKey Largo“Location of the nursery where the coral spawned.”