Coral Restoration Foundation?

Coral nurseries don’t just grow corals, they provide habitat for some of the reef’s most fascinating residents, like this scrawled cowfish. With a tough hexagonal exoskeleton and distinctive “cow horns,” this species has adapted to life among the corals, blending into its surroundings while keeping predators at bay. Who else has spotted one of these unique reef dwellers? Photo: Coral Restoration Foundation? #CoralRestoration #Ocean #Fish #CoralNursery #MarineLife

Updates from our Key West satellite program! Our satellite program in Key West is making significant strides, with a 48% increase in coral stock in just one month! The total has now reached 8,500 corals, thanks to strategic transfers, including 1,275 boulder corals, 208 Acropora palmata, and 1,366 Acropora cervicornis specimens. These efforts contribute to building stronger, more resilient reefs for the future! Photos: Alex Neufeld for Coral Restoration Foundation? #CoralRestoration #MarineScience #ReefConservation #KeyWest

Coral Restoration Foundation is featured in Good Natured, a documentary showcasing the resilience of conservationists working on the frontlines of environmental challenges. The film explores ecological grief, the emotional weight of witnessing ecosystem loss, and highlights the determination of those taking action. Bailey Thomasson, our USVI Reef Restoration Coordinator, shared her firsthand experience navigating the Fourth Global Bleaching Event and the critical mitigation efforts taken to protect coral reefs. On February 19th, Good Natured premiered at the Tampa Theater, in Tampa, FL before airing on WEDU PBS. Our team attended the event, proud to see coral restoration efforts in the spotlight! This is a must-watch for anyone passionate about conservation. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/drr_D_ht Photos: Coral Restoration Foundation? and WEDU PBS #GoodNaturedPBS #CoralBleaching #ConservationWins #ReefRestoration #ClimateAction

Be Part of the World’s Biggest Coral Restoration Event Each year, Coralpalooza? brings together divers, snorkelers, and conservationists for a large-scale, hands-on effort to restore Florida’s Coral Reef. Held in honor of World Reef Awareness Day on June 1st and World Oceans Day on June 8th, is an opportunity to take real action for ocean conservation. Participants will work alongside our restoration team to outplant corals, maintain Coral Tree? nurseries, and protect the future of coral reefs. With spots filling fast, early registration is key! Mark your calendars! Coralpalooza? 2025 takes place the first week of June. Want early access? Sign up for First Alert to receive 48-hour notice on registration before it opens to the public. Make sure to check your inbox (and spam folder) for your confirmation email. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/dhUw6pB9 #CoralRestoration #Coralpalooza2025 #OceanConservation #DiveForThePlanet

We’ve reached an incredible milestone! Over 10,000 corals propagated at Florida Keys Marine Laboratory! From October 2024 to February 2025, we successfully propagated 11,163 non-Acroporid corals, utilizing the Florida Keys Marine Lab’s land-based facilities allowed us to continue propagation efforts despite weather challenges, ensuring that restoration never slowed down. Why this matters:? ?? Consistent coral propagation despite ocean conditions? ?? Increased species diversity for reef resilience? ?? More corals ready for future outplanting A huge thank you to Florida Keys Marine Laboratory for providing the resources that made this possible! Photos: Angela Pappas for Coral Restoration Foundation? #ReefRestoration #CoralComeback #MissionIconicReefs #CoralConservation #CoralRestoration

How do you restore a reef? One coral at a time. Here’s how: 1?? Harvest from the Nursery – We collect nursery-grown corals ready for outplanting.? 2?? Prep the Reef – Algae and debris are cleared to create a stable site.? 3?? Secure the Coral – Marine-safe epoxy locks them in place.? 4?? A Growing Reef – The corals settle in and begin restoring the ecosystem. Video: Granger Eltringham and Michele Du Plooy for Coral Restoration Foundation? Video Production: Chelsea Co for Coral Restoration Foundation? #CoralRestoration #MarineConservation #Diving #MarineBiology

Great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa) is one of the easiest corals to identify, thanks to its large, thumb-sized polyps. As an essential reef-building species, great star coral plays a key role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. Photo: Angela Pappas for Coral Restoration Foundation? #CoralRestoration #MarineBiodiversity #ReefConservation #CoralEcology

Application Deadline Approaching: Summer 2025 Internship The window for applying to our Summer 2025 Coral Conservation & Reef Restoration Internship is closing soon! Applications are due by February 28th, 2025. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in marine conservation and gain invaluable experience: ?? Full-Time Internship: Four months of practical experience focused on reef restoration and nonprofit operations. ?? Fieldwork & Leadership: Contribute to key conservation projects, develop leadership skills, and take on important responsibilities. ?? Stipend Support: We offer an educational stipend to help with living costs during the internship. Don’t miss your chance to jumpstart your career in marine conservation. Apply today! Submit your application now: https://lnkd.in/dBCm6vK #MarineConservation #InternshipOpportunity #CoralRestoration #ConservationCareers #MarineScienceInternships

Outplanted in March 2018, this elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) started as seven small fragments placed next to each other on South Carysfort Reef. Over time, it has grown into a healthy, thriving colony. The majority of the colony remains healthy and resilient, proving that restoration makes a difference! Corals face extreme environmental pressures, yet with the right techniques and support, they can recover and rebuild entire ecosystems. Photos: Alex Neufeld for Coral Restoration Foundation? #CoralRestoration #ConservationImpact #ElkhornCoral #ResilientReefs

Parrotfish Are Essential for Coral Reefs Parrotfish play a critical role by grazing on algae, preventing it from overwhelming coral. As they feed, they also break down dead coral, creating space for new growth and some species can even produce over 2,000 pounds of sand per year. Despite their importance, parrotfish populations are declining due to overfishing and habitat loss, making reef recovery even harder. Protecting these herbivores is just as vital as restoring coral itself. How can we better integrate species protection into reef conservation? Photo: Michele du Plooy @michele.d.p #ReefRestoration #EcosystemBalance #SustainableOceans