CORAL RESTORATION

LOOK BUT DON’T TOUCH

I will not pretend to know anything about coral reefs, but from everything I’ve read the coral reefs are on the decline globally. The numbers are staggering. Some estimates put the loss of coral reefs upwards to 80%. They are dying off from climate change, disease, ocean acidification due to human effluent runoff, overfishing and other stresses. Though they cover just 1 percent of the world’s ocean coral reefs are home to 25% of her marine life. Home not only to thousands of species of fish, but thousands of invertebrate species, this biodiverse ecosystem is like an underwater rainforest. They also absorb much of an ocean wave’s intensity and protect the coast from erosion normally caused by currents and storms. Coral reefs are integral to our planet, they are the backbone of our existence.

The Great Florida Reef is the only coral reef in the continental United States and it is the third largest in the world. The first is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and second is off the coast of Belize.

 

LOOE KEY

A PRECIOUS GIFT

Although it may seem I know something about coral reefs, I’m really just a spectator. I certainly can attest to their beauty. When healthy and blooming with life to snorkel or dive amongst these living animals is a precious gift that must be protected.  There is a great fear that coral reefs may not survive to the end of this century, but efforts are underway to help. Over the past several decades a heightened awareness of man’s affect on the ocean and the reefs has been a huge help. Eliminating the use of common sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which cause coral bleaching or whitening of the coral, helps. Many governments now have set aside marine preserves and sanctuaries, like the Looe Key Preservation Sanctuary which are great steps in keeping coral reefs healthy and safe.

 

CORAL POLYP (INSET)

WHEN I GROW UP

But the thing is coral take a long time to grow, even under the best conditions. Coral is made up of countless little critters called polyps and as their lifespan ends other polyps build on top of their exoskeleton and eventually the coral build-up their colonies. Because these polyps are infinitesimal, some measuring just millimeters across, if left to nature alone, the reefs may never regain their resplendent brilliance in our lifetimes.

NATURE NEEDS A HELPING HAND

We were unable to dive on any of the four days we had set aside on our recent visit to the Florida Keys. On the way to Key West we stayed for a few days at the Looe Key Dive Resort, and on our return, we stayed at Amy Slate’s Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo. All our scheduled dives were cancelled because of a small craft advisory. Disappointed about not diving to see the coral reefs, a divemaster at the Looe Key Dive Resort told us about two independent restoration efforts to replenish the coral reefs.

 LOOE KEY DIVE RESORT

AMORAY DIVE RESORT

CORAL POLYP (INSET)

The Mote Marine Laboratory takes “rescued” fragments of coral and under optimal conditions in their laboratory tanks study and grow the coral until they are able to be “replanted” in the reefs. Mote is on Summerland Key. They only welcome visitors on a strict schedule twice a week for just one hour each of the days. So, if you’re interested in seeing their work at Mote, call ahead to see if your timing is good.

 MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

STAGHORN CORAL "TREE"

The other restoration program is a bit more hands on in their approach and they actively seek out volunteers to help in their efforts to replenish the coral reefs. The not for profit Coral Restoration Foundation facility is more approachable with displays and a gift shop and videos to watch. They are on Islamorada and walk-ins are welcome.

Their restoration program is similar to Mote as they too take rescued fragments of coral to grow. But, at the Coral Restoration Foundation they suspend the coral fragments from underwater “trees”. When large enough, they too are replanted on the reef surface. They seek out volunteers who have at least 30 dives who can come clean the trees of algae and mollusks and when the fragments of coral have grown enough they too are replanted on the reef surface.

CORAL RESTORATION ORGANIZATION 

CLOSE UP OF CORAL

We visited both facilities when our dives were cancelled and were fascinated by the entire process. We had no idea this sort of restoration program was going on. Both are fascinating and informative and best of all, free, although if you do want to dive with the Coral Restoration Foundation they ask for a nominal fee. They will train and provide necessary tools. See their website for scheduled dives to the trees and the replanting sites.