Two crucial Florida coral species left ‘functionally extinct’ by ocean heatwave

Elkhorn coral shows signs of bleaching due to stress on the coral reef of Sand Key in the waters south of Key West. Photograph: Matt May/Alamy

Two of the most important coral species that made up Florida’s reef are now functionally extinct after a withering ocean heatwave caused catastrophic losses, scientists have found.

The near-total collapse of the corals that once formed the backbone of reefs in Florida and the Caribbean means they can no longer play their previously crucial role in building and sustaining reef ecosystems that host a variety of marine life.