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Climate Change in Texas

Rescued Gulf of Mexico coral in a Galveston aquarium could help the species’ survival

A new report found that coral off Texas’ coast could die off by 2040 because of climate change.

Senior biologist Brooke Zurita administers a blend of vitamins and algae to coral using a baster at Moody Gardens Aquarium on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Galveston, Texas.

A coral colony rests in the culture tray at Moody Gardens Aquarium's Coral Rescue Lab on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Galveston, Texas.
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Michelle Johnston is pictured at Galveston Beach on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. Johnston specializes in coral reef ecology and invasive species management.

“Putting bubble gum on a crack in a dam”

Animal husbandry manager Greg Whittaker stands beside coral water tables at Moody Gardens Coral Rescue Lab on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. "Our shift to housing Flower Gardens Marine Sanctuary corals from the Florida reef project enables us to engage more intimately with a nearby reef system," said Whittaker. "We have corals here to regularly educate our guests about issues and collaborate directly with the research community to identify problems and solutions."

Learning to care for Flower Garden coral

Senior biologist Brooke Zurita observes coral's response to feeding.

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