Rescue a Reef Program

// Transformation Tuesday 🪸

From October 2022 to January 2026, our elkhorn coral outplant shows what reef restoration can achieve. Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) was once one of the most important reef-building corals in South Florida — creating complex habitat for reef life and helping protect our coastlines from waves and storms 🌊
 
Today, elkhorn coral is considered functionally extinct across much of its natural habitat due to disease, warming oceans, and other stressors — meaning it no longer plays the ecological role it once did on our reefs. Without coral restoration, we risk losing the species, and its ecological benefits.
 
Thanks to active coral reef restoration, we’re seeing progress. This elkhorn outplant is proof that with research, restoration, and community change, we can begin to restore the species that once built South Florida’s reefs — one coral at a time. 🪸💜