The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

A Focus on Reef Restoration

Despite being among the world’s lowest carbon emitters, the islands of the Caribbean are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Looking at the state of coral throughout the Caribbean, it is clear that sea level rise and water temperature increases are taking their toll. These corals are the lifeblood of the Caribbean Sea—sustaining fisheries, protecting coastlines and supporting a prosperous tourism industry. With nearly 8,000 square miles of coral reefs, approximately 10% of coral reefs on the planet, the Caribbean Sea supports more than 1,400 species of fish and marine mammals.

The Conservancy’s Caribbean Coral Restoration Program has established a multitude of underwater coral nurseries to regenerate two endangered species – elkhorn and staghorn corals. To help repopulate reefs with more resilient specimens of these keystone corals, the Conservancy received a $3.3 million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to develop in-water coral nurseries in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2010, the Conservancy’s five underwater coral nurseries in the U.S. Virgin Islands boasted more than 1,000 elkhorn and staghorn coral fragments, with a goal to reach 5,000 transplantable specimens by 2012. We hope to replicate the coral nursery project in the waters of The Bahamas this year.

Adopt a Coral Reef

As some of the most biodiverse and wondrous places in the world, coral reefs need our immediate attention. If the present rate of destruction continues, 70% of the world's coral reefs will be destroyed by the year 2050. With your help, The Nature Conservancy is protecting the world's coral reefs and all the corals, fish and people that depend on them.