Crossbreeding corals from Honduras could help protect Florida's coast
Crossbreeding corals from Honduras could help protect Florida's coast

Elkhorn coral helps form the skeleton of a healthy reef, but more than 95% of the Elkhorn coral off Florida has been wiped out. Scientists have created the “Flonduran” crossbreed to solve the problem.
Read the full article on CBS Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate, with key claims supported by multiple sources. The claim about the percentage of Elkhorn coral loss is not directly verified by the provided sources, but the general premise of significant loss is supported. The article presents a hopeful outlook on the crossbreeding project, but the reporting remains relatively neutral.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** Elkhorn coral helps form the skeleton of a healthy reef.
- Verification Source #2: Supports this claim by stating "Off the northern coast of Honduras, thick stands of endangered elkhorn coral have mysteriously defied warming oceans fueled by climate change." This implies the importance of Elkhorn coral in reef health.
- Verification Source #4: Mentions the project aims to help Florida's reefs survive.
- Claim:** More than 95% of the Elkhorn coral off Florida has been wiped out.
- No provided source directly verifies this specific percentage.* This is a high number and ideally would be verified.
- Claim:** Scientists have created the "Flonduran" crossbreed to solve the problem.
- Verification Source #1, #3, #4, and #5: All support the claim that scientists are transplanting crossbred corals from Honduras and Florida to help save Miami's reefs. Verification Source #4 specifically mentions the goal is to test if the hybrid offspring can better withstand heat stress.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1, #3, and #5: Agree that scientists from the University of Miami, the Florida Aquarium, and Tela Marine in Honduras are involved in the project.
- Verification Source #2: Highlights the resilience of Elkhorn coral in Honduras, suggesting a potential solution for Florida's reefs.
- The lack of direct verification for the 95% Elkhorn coral loss is a minor weakness. While the general decline is well-established, the specific percentage requires further verification.