Scientists Issue Strong Caribbean Coral Warning
Scientists have issued their strongest warning so far this year that unusually warm Caribbean Sea temperatures threaten coral reefs that suffered widespread damage last year in record-setting heat.
Waters have reached 85 oF around the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico -- temperatures at which coral can be damaged if waters do not cool after a few weeks.
The warning issued by NOAA urges scuba-dive operators and underwater researchers to look for coral damage and use caution around the fragile reefs, which are easily damaged by physical contact.