Marine Biology Team Discovers New Coral Species

Research
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Story Summary
A team from the College of Marine Sciences identified a previously undocumented coral species during a Gulf Coast expedition, expanding biodiversity records and opening new conservation pathways.
Key Achievement
First documented discovery of Acropora southernii — a heat-resilient coral species with implications for reef restoration.
Recommended Audience
Alumni, Donors, National Science Media
Recommended Angle
A flagship university research program produces world-first discoveries with direct climate impact.
Dr. Lena Ortiz and her team of six graduate researchers returned from a 14-day Gulf expedition with the first documented samples of what they're calling Acropora southernii — a coral species that appears remarkably resilient to elevated water temperatures. The findings, set to publish in Nature Marine Biology next quarter, may reshape conservation strategy across the Caribbean basin. The expedition was funded in part by the Williams Family Endowment and the NSF Coastal Resilience Grant.
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Researchers at the College of Marine Sciences have identified a previously undocumented coral species during a Gulf Coast expedition, expanding global biodiversity records and offering new pathways for reef conservation in a warming ocean. The discovery — provisionally named Acropora southernii — was made by a team led by Dr. Lena Ortiz during a 14-day expedition funded by the Williams Family Endowment and the National Science Foundation. "This is the kind of discovery that comes once in a generation," said Dr. Ortiz. "And it changes how we think about reef resilience." The full findings will appear in Nature Marine Biology next quarter.