KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Over 400 marine scientists and specialists have gathered in the Florida Keys to compare notes and examine solutions to preserve coral reefs around the world.

Reef Futures 2018 began Monday at the Ocean Reef Club. Organizers say the coral restoration and intervention-science symposium will run through Friday.

Attendees are focused on the plight of dying coral reefs and methods to save and restore fragile underwater reef ecosystems. Discussions include needs for immediate and aggressive actions on climate change to ensure long-term survival of reefs and how carbon released into the atmosphere is to continue to warm ocean waters.

The Florida Keys are home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef.

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Online: Reef Futures 2018, https://reeffutures2018.com

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