Visual surveys reveal coral growth in mangrove fringe in a subtropical metropolis

Although coexisting mangrove-coral (CMC) habitats have been identified and categorized globally, they are still underreported and understudied. Visual surveys revealed the presence of five species of corals in two out of four potential CMC habitats around Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida, a highly urbanized subtropical lagoon. These corals were dominated by algal symbionts in the genus Breviolum, suggesting these low-light but thermally variable environments may be buffered from photoinhibition stress that characterizes nearby hardbottom environments. Further surveys and monitoring of CMCs, particularly in urban environments, may inform coastal community ecology and advance conservation and restoration efforts.