Heat threatens Florida's coral reef. Here's what tourists can do to preserve it

https://www.npr.org/2023/07/27/ [login to see] /heat-tempuratures-impact-coral-reef-in-florida-tips-how-to-help
As Lindsay Beriault dove into the waters of Florida Keys, she was eager to adore the ocean's coral reef. When she opened her eyes, her emotions shifted from wonder to sorrow and grief.

"As soon as I got in the water and over to the reef, I immediately started crying," Beriault said. "My mask was flooded with tears, not ocean water. It was devastating."

The Florida Keys coral reef, once lively shades of green, brown and yellow, were completely stone white.

The vibrant hues of the reef have been muted by a natural process called coral bleaching. Climate change is the leading cause of coral bleaching. When water temperatures are too warm, corals expel algae from their tissue, which cause them to turn white.