local
Florida researchers bring endangered elkhorn coral ashore to protect them
Summary by The San Antonio Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Marta Lavandier And Tammy Webber, Associated Press , KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 22, 2026
· 2 min read
Scientists working to save a coral species from extinction transported 30 pieces from nurseries off the Florida coast to a hatchery on land Wednesday, fearing that warming waters could trigger a mass bleaching event this summer that could wipe them out. Elkhorn coral populations were decimated by...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The San Antonio Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Marta Lavandier And Tammy Webber, Associated Press, KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 22, 2026 Indexed here Jul 22, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
Every story comes with a passport. How we work · Corrections log
Key takeaway Researchers have been propagating them at coastal nurseries, but decided to bring some ashore now because of indications that 2026 will be “a really bad year” for bleaching — perhaps even worse than 2023, Lirman said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
While the efforts to save the elkhorn coral are taking place in Florida, San Antonio residents should be aware of the broader implications of coral bleaching on the Gulf Coast ecosystem. As a community that relies on the Gulf for seafood and tourism, the decline of coral reefs could have a ripple effect on local businesses and industries. Furthermore, the issue of climate change and its impact on marine life is not unique to Florida, and San Antonio's own environmental efforts could play a role in mitigating the effects of rising temperatures and sea levels. The University of Miami's approach to preserving genetic diversity in coral populations is a valuable lesson for local conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving the unique ecosystems found in and around San Antonio. By supporting local environmental initiatives and staying informed about the impact of climate change on the Gulf Coast, San Antonio residents can contribute to the larger effort to protect these vital ecosystems.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 22, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Scientists working to save a coral species from extinction transported 30 pieces from nurseries off the Florida coast to a hatchery on land Wednesday, fearing that warming waters could trigger a mass bleaching event this summer that could wipe them out. Elkhorn coral populations were decimated by...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Marta Lavandier And Tammy Webber, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter