NOAA report: US coral reefs in severe decline

By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Writer Mon Jul 7, 5:54 PM ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Almost half the coral reef ecosystems in United States territory are in poor or fair condition, mostly because of rising ocean temperatures, according to a government report released Monday.

The reefs discussed in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report serve as breeding grounds for many of the world’s seafood species and act as indicators of overall ocean health.

“They are a major indicator of something that could go wrong with the environment,” said Timothy Keeney, NOAA’s deputy assistant secretary for oceans and atmosphere.

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