What they do
Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is the world's largest coral reef restoration organization, headquartered in Key Largo, Florida. They operate underwater coral nurseries where fragments of resilient, genetically diverse coral are grown on 'coral trees' before being transplanted onto degraded reefs. CRF has planted over 200,000 corals across more than 30 reef sites in the Florida Keys and has trained restoration practitioners from 25+ countries. Their genetic banking program preserves coral genotypes that demonstrate heat tolerance and disease resistance.
Why they matter
CRF has proven that coral restoration works at scale. Their nursery-to-reef pipeline produces genetically diverse coral populations that survive bleaching events at higher rates than wild colonies. The organization's genetic banking program is an insurance policy for reef biodiversity: by preserving heat-tolerant genotypes, they are building the seed stock for future reefs adapted to warmer oceans. Their training programs have seeded coral restoration capacity worldwide.
How to support
Donate or adopt a coral through their website. Certified divers can volunteer for coral planting expeditions in the Florida Keys. Educators can access their curriculum materials for marine biology classes. Businesses can sponsor a reef restoration site through their corporate partnership program.
Key project to explore
The Coral Arks program, which maintains the world's largest collection of staghorn and elkhorn coral genotypes in offshore nurseries. These genetically diverse corals are the foundation for Florida's reef restoration, with over 200,000 fragments planted and monitored since the program began.