I vory tree coral is one of the world’s more noteworthy corals. This delicately branching species, with the scientific name Oculina varicosa, forms a deepwater reef extending from Fort Pierce to Daytona, Florida. Remarkably, the 90-mile reef is the only one of its kind on the planet. Because of that, and because historically it was so dense, the reef earned the nickname Oculina Banks. Years of destructive fishing practices led to significant damage, though, so the waters and reef are federally protected. The reef is still trying to recover, as are species like massive grouper that once thrived amid the habitat.
has a new place to flourish, however—as do turtles and a host of
