Final answer:
A significant portion of Florida's coral reefs are in decline, affected by factors such as climate change, oceanic acidification, and water pollution. The decline not only impacts marine biodiversity but also has economic consequences due to the role reefs play in tourism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coral reefs around Florida have been experiencing significant declines due to various environmental stresses. Climate change, along with oceanic acidification and water pollution, are major factors changing the composition of seawater, resulting in adverse effects on these delicate ecosystems. Dissolved oxygen, which is vital for marine life, becomes less soluble in warmer waters, and the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to more carbon dioxide dissolving in the oceans, contributing to acidification. The exoskeletons of coral polyps, which make up the coral reefs, are particularly susceptible to dissolution in more acidic conditions.
As coral reefs start to die off, the problem affects not just marine biodiversity, but also the economies of coastal regions due to their role in tourism. In Florida, it is estimated that a significant portion of coral reefs are either dead or in a state of decline, though specific percentages can vary. Surveys and studies show that the figure can range from 50% to as much as 90% in some areas, exhibiting the severe impact human activities and environmental changes have had on these habitats.