Part 5/9:
This research is critical because it informs practical restoration efforts, helping to identify which coral species are most adaptable and how best to support their growth. However, the transition from research to real-world application is vital—scientists are moving from theory to practice, planting resilient corals into damaged reefs.
Restoring Corals in Action
A typical day for CRF teams begins with visits to offshore nurseries located about three miles off the Florida Keys. These nurseries utilize innovative methods like the "coral tree," a technique pioneered by CRF, to propagate and grow large numbers of corals efficiently. Once mature, corals are carefully uprooted from nurseries, transported to the target reef sites, and planted by divers directly into the reef ecosystem.