Florida's coral reefs came into existence 5,000 to 7,000 years ago when sea levels rose following the Wisconsin Ice Age. Growth of reefs are extremely slow, and estimates range from one to sixteen feet every 1,000 years.

 

The major reef architects are made up of stony corals. Polyps, the living portion of the coral, extract calcium from seawater and combine it with carbon dioxide to construct the elaborate limestone skeletons that form the reefs foundation. Coral polyps are united into colonies. An individual colony grows one-half to seven inches a year, depending on the species. Corals start life as free-living larvae that later settle on the sea floor and develop into massive sedentary limestone formations.

 

Through reef corals are classified as animals, there is, in fact, a complex of microscopic plants that lives within the animals tissues (a symbiotic relationship). The animals benefit from the energy that the plants provide through photosynthesis. The plants are protected within the coral tissues and gain nutrients from animal wastes. These tiny plants are called zooxanthellae and are responsible for much of the color seen in reef corals. With the understanding of the complex cycle on life of the reef, and the enormous time it takes to create on, makes it even more important to protect these reefs.

 

Each tens of thousands of visitors go snorkelling and scuba diving off the Florida coastlines and get to experience this astounding natural beauty that the coral reefs have to offer. If you are one of the people or intend to be remember to treat them with respect; do not touch them and do not try and take some home with you - that would not only be illegal but a crime against nature. We need the coral reefs around Florida to survive. 

We hope you agree!