OUR IMPACT

Our bold vision is to save the ocean. This starts and ends with coral, relying on partnership and collaboration. We aim to transition our education systems from mere awareness of ocean challenges to fostering active stewardship of our reefs. The Reef Institute focuses on biobanking corals, promoting propagation, facilitating larval settlement, juvenile rearing, and outplanting corals. We are dedicated to rebuilding the reef, beginning in Palm Beach County, extending throughout Florida, and collaborating across the Caribbean.

EDUCATION

Building better stewards of the ocean begins with a deep commitment to education, both in and out of the sea. Our educational offerings include awareness outreach events, mobile coral labs, virtual tours, and science excursions to Peanut Island, among many others. One significant initiative involves collaboration with local stakeholders throughout the Caribbean.

RESEARCH

According to NOAA, Florida has seen a significant decline in coral coverage, with some areas now having as little as 2% of their original coral. This decline is attributed to Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, coral bleaching events, and other challenges. Collaborations with universities and various organizations foster innovative research in our land-based facility, local waters, and throughout the Caribbean.

RESTORATION

As part of Florida's state initiatives, The Reef Institute is engaged in bio-banking, spawning, raising, and outplanting juvenile Caribbean coral species to enhance opportunities for coral restoration. The goal of this rescue-to-reef pipeline is to eventually return juvenile corals to the ocean. The Reef Institute collaborates with partners across the Caribbean to identify and create restoration opportunities as needed. Additionally, we are intentionally designing artificial reef systems using recycled materials to rebuild the reefs.