The Coral Restoration Foundation

The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), a nonprofit organization based in the Florida Keys, was established with the goal of rejuvenating the Caribbean reefs. Two keystone species, Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), grow here in expansive, branching thickets, offering crucial habitat for a myriad of fish and invertebrates. Flourishing in shallow, warm waters, these corals are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, making them the focal point of CRF’s restoration efforts.

Coral bleaching is an increasingly widespread phenomenon whereby corals lose their vibrant colors due to the expulsion of symbiotic algae residing within their tissues. These algae, known as zooxanthellae, provide corals with sugar through photosynthesis and contribute to their pigmentation. When subjected to thermal stress, corals respond by expelling the algae, a reaction similar to experiencing a fever. As a result, the corals appear pale or white, undermining their overall health. While bleaching does not inevitably result in immediate mortality, prolonged instances of elevated temperatures can impede algal recolonization, and ultimately lead to coral starvation and death. Globally, underwater heatwaves and bleaching events are escalating in frequency and intensity, presenting a grim long-term outlook for reefs unless there is a concerted effort to reduce carbon emissions.

During my time at CRF in Bonaire, I had the honor of working alongside Francesca Virdis, a scientist who relocated here to champion the health of the reefs. Our days were filled with meaningful tasks, from mapping reefs and recording coral growth to educating visitors about the changing climate. When establishing a new restoration site, our objective was to carefully choose genetically diverse colonies from various locations around the island that had successfully weathered previous bleaching events. Through this process of assisted evolution, our hope is the future offspring of these corals will inherit genetic traits that may confer a higher likelihood of survival in the face of warming waters.

Once selected, the coral fragments are then affixed to CRF’s floating nurseries, which serve as a temporary home for the corals to grow and develop. Free from predators and sedimentation, the corals thrive suspended in the shallow, sunlit waters. After several months of growth, they are transplanted back onto degraded areas of the reef, which was the most rewarding part of my experience. We used milk crates to carefully transport the delicate corals and secured them to the reef using zip ties or epoxy. This act requires precision, considering factors such as appropriate spacing and substrate conditions to optimize attachment and ensure future success. Across their restoration sites in the Caribbean, several hundred hectares of reef have been reclaimed, resulting in the resurgence of local fish populations. While the road ahead will be incredibly challenging for corals, I’m heartened by the work of CRF and remain hopeful for the future.

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