NOAA, partners to announce major Florida Keys coral reef restoration effort

Agency to reveal new coral reef preservation and restoration approach

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On Mon., Dec. 9, NOAA and its partners will announce a major coral reef restoration strategy targeting seven reefs in the Florida Keys. The groundbreaking “Mission: Iconic Reefs” effort is intended to change the severely declining health of North America’s only barrier coral reef.
Coral Restoration Foundation divers transplant nursery-grown staghorn coral to Carysfort Reef in 2018. On Dec. 9, NOAA will announce a major coral reef restoration strategy targeting seven reefs in the Florida Keys.

Coral Restoration Foundation divers transplant nursery-grown staghorn coral to Carysfort Reef in 2018. On Dec. 9, NOAA will announce a major coral reef restoration strategy targeting seven reefs in the Florida Keys. (Image credit: Coral Restoration Foundation)

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Florida’s coral reefs have been in decline since the 1970s due to hurricanes, heat-induced bleaching, cold snaps, disease and increased human use. Members of the media are invited to learn more about the effort, interview experts, and participate in an optional tour of a coral nursery and restoration site. 

Media interested in attending should RSVP by Thu., Dec. 5 to Gena Parsons, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, gena.parsons@noaa.gov, 305-304-0179.

WHAT:
Announcement of NOAA-led “Mission: Iconic Reefs” coral reef restoration initiative 

WHEN:
Mon., Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. EST 

WHERE:
Murray Nelson Government Center 
102050 Overseas Highway 
Key Largo, Florida 33037

WHO:        

NOAA:

  • National Ocean Service: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
  • NOAA Fisheries: Office of Habitat Conservation Restoration Center

Partners:

  • Coral Restoration Foundation
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
  • FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 
  • Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 
  • Reef Renewal     
  • The Florida Aquarium 
  • The Nature Conservancy 

SCHEDULE:
10:30 a.m.:    Briefing presentation - NOAA 
11:00 a.m.:    Q&A - NOAA and partners
11:30 a.m.:    Opportunity for interviews with project subject-matter experts
1:00 p.m.:    Optional on-the-water tour of an underwater coral nursery and restoration site. Snorkel gear and light lunch provided. Weather dependent. RSVP required. 

The announcement will be streamed live on Monroe County Television: https://monroe-fl.vod.castus.tv/vod/?live=ch1&view=3.

Photos and video of the restoration sites will be available following the briefing.

 

Media contact:
Gena Parsons, 305-304-0179
 

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