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Caribbean Currents Newsletter

CoralCarib Partners Strengthening Collaboration

The CoralCarib project continues to innovate and strengthen coral reef restoration across the Caribbean by partnering for science-based solutions

March 09, 2026

Scuba divers on a reef use a fine mesh net to capture coral gametes for spawning.
Science-Based Conservation Scuba diving conservation practitioners collect coral for research based spawning. © TNC

The CoralCarib project continues to innovate and strengthen coral reef restoration across the Caribbean through science-based solutions, regional collaboration and partnerships, and local leadership in the four target countries. In the last six months, our consortium partners have made significant progress implementing innovative solutions to restore and conserve coral across the Caribbean.

Cuba

The CoralCarib team monitored coral spawning, trained community divers and focused on management planning in the Zapata Swamp, all of which continued building local capacity for long-term reef restoration. CoralCarib continues to advance its coral restoration work, including strengthening local governance and supporting communities, all to ensure the long-term resilience of Caribbean reefs.

Dominican Republic

CoralCarib partner FUNDEMAR is integrating Reef Stars (designed by MARS). These hexagonal structures, designed to stabilize reef rubble and support coral out-planting into grow-out efforts, are being tested for the cultivation of sexually produced coral recruits. Eventually, the team expects them to function as coral “orchards” for future spawning. The recent inauguration of FUNDEMAR’s new Marine Research Center (MARE-DR) is a major milestone for the country’s efforts in large-scale restoration, supporting assisted coral sexual reproduction, monitoring and innovation.

Scuba divers use fine mesh netting to capture coral gametes for spawning in research facility.
Science in Action Conservation practitioners use a net to collect coral gametes for reef restoration. © TNC
A straight down overhead shot of a brain coral in the Caribbean.
Brain Coral Supporting this species through scientific spawning practices helps sustain healthy reefs. © TNC
Science in Action Conservation practitioners use a net to collect coral gametes for reef restoration. © TNC
Brain Coral Supporting this species through scientific spawning practices helps sustain healthy reefs. © TNC

Jamaica

Last November, the CoralCarib team highlighted its partnership with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and local organizations during Coral Reef Awareness Month. Joint activities included coral spawning training, coordinated monitoring dives and data collection to inform long-term reef management. National media coverage in The Gleaner and Jamaica Observer featured coral conservation as a national priority and reported positively on the role of science and partnerships in protecting Jamaica’s reefs.

Haiti

CoralCarib achieved a successful outcome with its first Reef Resilience Forum, involving representatives from all six communes and three departments within the Marine Protected Area. Led by local partner Initiative pour l’Environnement et le Developpement Intégré en Haiti” (Haiti’s Initiative for the Environment and Integrated Development—IEDIH), the forum strengthened coordination among fishers, local authorities, technical institutions and community members. Complementary actions in the country include sustainable fishing gear distribution and installation of offshore fish aggregating devices, which help reduce pressure on coastal reefs while supporting artisanal fisheries.

Reflections on Work Planning and Seaweed Aquaculture Workshop—Belize

Representatives from CoralCarib Consortium partners gathered in Belize for the annual Work Planning meeting and seaweed aquaculture workshop in January. Caribbean Currents asked two participants to reflect on their experience in Belize. 

A woman speaks at a microphone.
Rebecca's Report Rebecca Denise Garcia Camps speaks during the CoralCarib Work Planning meeting. © CSam/TNC

“The Year-4 planning session was a productive working meeting where we learned about each country’s progress and goals for the coming year. These sessions help us better understand each country’s challenges and how they are addressing them. The macroalgal course was an excellent workshop for exploring sustainable livelihood alternatives; it was eye-opening to see all the things that can be done with macroalgae, from hair products to food supplements.”

—Rebecca Denisse García Camps, COOORDINADORA OPER CONSERVACIÓN MARINA, Grupo Punta Cana—Dominican Republic

A man presents during a training event.
Dexter's Dialogue Dexter-Dean Colquhoun, Ph.D. presents on science-based conservation. © CSam/TNC

“It was a valuable knowledge exchange, especially because we had the opportunity to hear directly from colleagues and learn from their firsthand experiences (and lessons) across the region. The seaweed workshop was very productive, and I really appreciated how practical and hands-on it was, which made the sessions both engaging and applicable.”

—Dexter-Dean Colquhoun, Ph.D., Research Programme Manager, Alligator Head Foundation—Jamaica