Forests of rare staghorn coral discovered off South Florida
A scientist from Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center found the coral while doing a survey for the environmental agency, which wanted a better map of shallow reef system.
The department of environmental protection wanted a better map of the coral's locations to improve the management of beach-widening, coastal development and other activities that could harm corals, as well as improve responses to incidents such as oil spills and illegal boat anchoring.