Urchins Save Corals: Florida's Reef Restoration

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories, right here on Tampa Bay News today. Researchers in Apollo Beach, Florida, are studying the vital link between coral reefs and sea urchins to protect the state's coastal ecosystems. These two players are key to keeping reefs healthy, with corals building the structures and urchins helping them thrive. The corals in focus are critically in danger types that form Florida's reef systems. They create homes for fish and other sea life, while boosting local economies through tourism and fishing. Sea urchins act like natural cleaners on the reefs. They graze on algae that can smother corals, preventing overgrowth and giving reefs a better chance to grow. Without enough urchins, algae takes over, making it tough for corals to survive. The urchin population has dropped due to various threats in recent years. Now, experts from the University of Florida and the Florida Aquarium have teamed up. They're using facilities in Apollo Beach to push forward reef restoration efforts and improve marine health. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. You know what is better than

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