Rescue a Reef focuses on the research and restoration of Southeast Florida's coral.
Coral restoration focuses on propagating coral stocks within nurseries – imagine underwater coral farms, where coral fragments are then outplanted onto degraded reefs which helps increase the growth of the reef. Rescue a reef uses strong, science-based techniques to grow threatened coral species and create a sustainable source of healthy coral colonies for use in active reef restoration.
Explore Reef SitesNumber of coral fragments planted up until today
How much faster do our corals grow compared to natural colonies?
What is the average survivorship of outplanted corals?
How much area has been covered with new corals?
What is the total linear extension of outplanted corals?
Diversity of coral species in the outplanted ecosystem
How many new species are living on the outplanted reef?
Coral nurseries are habitats dedicated to foster coral growth. Many nurseries have “coral trees” where the fragments are suspended like Christmas tree ornaments. Studies have shown that the suspending of coral fragments in the water column accelerates their growth drastically, while also protecting them from excess sedimentation on the ocean floor.
Coral spawning is an annual phenomenon during which corals of the same species synchronize the release of sperm and eggs (gametes) into the water column over several days following the full moon 🌚. The little white balls that look like snow are coral gametes! Natural spawning is a great sign of healthy corals, as they don't spawn when they are sick or stressed.
Coral reef science can drastically help future coral generations survive, by choosing more heat-resistant genotypes, or conducting experiments to maximize coral reef survival. RAR focuses on coastal resilience through coral reef research, restoration, and citizen science.
We work to educate the public about coral reefs and sustainability, through tabling events, informational talks, lab tours, beach clean-ups, and diving expeditions.
There are three main areas in which coral conservation organizations usually focus their resources on: coral restoration, coral science & research and last but not least, coral education. This is a breakdown for how this organization distributes their funds.