Concerns Rise Over Port Everglades Expansion’s Impact on Coral Reefs

NV Tech Desk reported on the scientific alarm surrounding the Port Everglades expansion, highlighting a landmark study by NOAA and the Shedd Aquarium that found approximately 10 million corals thriving in and around the port’s main channel — making it one of the last remaining strongholds for staghorn coral in the continental United States. NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast regional administrator warned the project would result in the largest impact to coral reefs permitted in U.S. history. Miami Waterkeeper Executive Director Rachel Silverstein also raised concerns about the threat to queen conch and other vulnerable species, which may be even more sensitive to sedimentation than corals. Sign the petition at www.stopthedredge.com. Read the full article here.