An ancient coral reef was discovered flourishing in Florida.

The Late Holocene coral death assemblage reportedly gives hope to researchers as it thrives to restore its former beauty in Pompano Ridge, Southeast Florida.

Recent disease outbreaks and high temperatures have caused the 2,000-year-old coral reefs to deteriorate over time, but researchers said they are encouraged by the effectiveness of their restoration efforts.

Footage shows diverse soft corals now inhabiting the once-vibrant coral reef.

Conservationists said the geological record provides valuable information about coral reef dynamics and their response to environmental changes over millennia. However, findings from the study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, suggest significant differences between Late Holocene and modern coral assemblages.

While the ancient reefs were dominated by now-critically endangered Acropora species, modern reefs are increasingly populated by stress-tolerant species like Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea.

Despite the improvement in the condition of coral reefs, researchers emphasised the urgent need for concerted action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the survival of these vital ecosystems.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and received funding from the Coastal/Marine Hazards and Resources Program.