And we’re doing it quickly.

Why Growth Matters for Coral Reefs

Coral reefs support 25% of all marine life, protect coastal communities from storms, and generate billions of dollars through tourism and fisheries. Yet, climate change, pollution, and overfishing are driving these ecosystems to the brink. Scaling up conservation efforts is no longer optional—it’s urgent.

Our growth strategy is all about expanding on the successful conservation models we’ve developed over the last 30 years. This means increasing local partnerships and deepening investments in research and community-driven solutions to drive cleaner water and more sustainable fisheries. This isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better, smarter, and FASTER.

Investing in Science and Innovation

At the heart of our organization is a commitment to science-driven conservation. By leveraging the latest research and collaborating with top scientists, CORAL is scaling up solutions that work. Here’s what we’re focusing on:

Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
These oceanic safe spaces exist so coral reefs and marine life can recover from stressors, and we are committed to growing and elevating the network of MPAs. When we strengthen MPAs by increasing community-led protection measures, coral reefs and all who depend on them win.

Resilience-Based Management (RBM)
We know coral reefs can adapt to climate change, but only if we support them. CORAL is ramping up the implementation of proven strategies that help reefs with adaptation.

Data-Driven Conservation
Data and science are foundational to our work. Using advanced monitoring systems, we’ll continue to track reef health and refine conservation efforts based on real data.

By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science, CORAL is ensuring our conservation strategies are both effective and culturally relevant.

Expanding into Key Reef Regions

Every reef region is unique, so before we establish new programs, we are conducting snapshot assessments—comprehensive evaluations that provide a clear picture of ecological conditions, community engagement, and conservation challenges. These assessments guide our decision-making, ensuring we focus on areas where our expertise can make a lasting difference. By understanding both the threats to coral reefs and the existing efforts of local communities, we can step in as a supportive partner––not a replacement––for the work already happening on the ground.

Snapshot assessments go beyond just identifying problems—they help us pinpoint opportunities for impact. By gathering local insights, we can determine the best strategies to support sustainable fisheries, strengthen marine protected areas, and reduce local threats like water pollution. 

This research-driven approach allows CORAL to expand with purpose, reinforcing our conservation solutions that are already proving effective and building on them with new and site-specific considerations in mind. With this targeted expansion, CORAL is prioritizing an impact that reaches more reefs, more communities, and more partners than ever before.

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact

To scale our proven strategies, CORAL is engaging global partners and supporting their efforts to advance clean water initiatives and sustainable fisheries management. We know lasting change happens when communities lead the way, and we’ll continue to build and deepen strategic relationships that strengthen our alliance. The future of coral reefs depends on all of us.

Supporting Coastal Communities
Provide training and financial support to local fishers, tourism operators, and conservation leaders.

Working with Governments
Advocate for stronger environmental policies and enforcement.

Engaging the Private Sector
Partner with businesses that rely on healthy oceans, from eco-tourism operators to seafood companies.

By expanding our web of collaborations, CORAL will continue to enact more locally-driven, long-term, and sustainable conservation efforts.

Investing in People & Resources

Growth isn’t just about scaling up projects and regions—it’s also about investing in people. CORAL is building a stronger organization by:

Expanding our expert team, bringing in top conservationists, scientists, and community engagement specialists.
Have you met our Strategic Impact Director? Meet Kristin Sherwood >

Scaling our philanthropic efforts, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
You can support our efforts by making a one-time or monthly donation here >

Leveraging new technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring and sustainable reef management tools to drive efficiencies.

These investments ensure CORAL has the support and resources to drive meaningful, lasting change into new regions – all with the resounding goal of saving coral reefs.

The Road Ahead

CORAL’s growth is intentional and impactful. Every project, partnership, and initiative is designed to create real, measurable change for coral reefs and the people who depend on them.

How can you be part of CORAL’s growth?

CORAL is on an exciting path forward, but saving coral reefs requires a global effort. Here’s how you can get involved:

Download our Strategic Plan
Coming soon, this 5-year plan goes into more detail about why, where, and how we are growing.
You can sign up early here >

Donate for Earth Month
Support the Earth by supporting CORAL’s expanding conservation efforts by signing up for a monthly donation > There’s no gift too small. $5, $50, or $500 all make a difference for coral reefs.

Partner with Us!
If you represent a business or organization, explore collaboration opportunities.
Get more details about our Corporate Partnership Program here >

Stay Informed
Follow CORAL’s work and share our impact stories. Subscribe to our monthly eCurrent here, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

By supporting CORAL’s growth, you’re supporting a future for coral reefs. Join us in scaling up reef conservation—because a thriving ocean means a thriving planet.

The post CORAL is Expanding into New Regions appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Read more about the 2023 launch of this project here >

Restoring Ancient Fishponds to Protect Coral Reefs

Ka Honua Momona (KHM), in partnership with the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), is leading a multi-year effort to restore Ali‘i and Kaloko‘eli, two historic 30-acre fishponds along Molokai’s southern shore. 

For centuries, these fishponds served as nature’s refrigerator, providing a reliable food source during times when other resources were scarce or off-limits to protect their ability to reproduce. However, due to the mismanagement of surrounding upland areas, the fishponds became clogged with sediment—up to three or more feet of muck in some places—resulting in shallow, unproductive waters. 

Our partners are now working to restore the fishponds’ depth and productivity, aiming to create a sustainable food source for the community of Molokai. In addition to exploring ways to trap sediment before it reaches the coastal waters, they’re also finding creative solutions to repurpose the sediment itself, using it to help build a hula mound—a symbol of turning adversity into an opportunity to unite and strengthen the community.

In addition to sediment removal, local teams are strategically removing invasive species like mangroves and gorilla ogo, which disrupt the balance of the fishpond ecosystem and reduce the flow of incoming seawater, planting native vegetation along the shoreline to stabilize sediment and prevent further erosion, and monitoring fish populations and water quality to track improvements and connectivity to reef health.

By restoring these fishponds, the community is not only reviving a cultural tradition but also implementing nature-based solutions to protect coral reefs from sediment pollution.

A Community-Driven Approach to Conservation

This project is more than ecological restoration—it’s about building local capacity for long-term coral reef management. CORAL and KHM are establishing a community-based water quality monitoring program, training the community to collect and analyze data, ensuring conservation efforts align with natural reproductive cycles, and sharing outcomes and sustainable fishing practices with local fishers to support responsible harvesting.  

Already, the impact is visible. In just the first year, the project successfully:

• Restored one acre of fishpond, clearing 9,418 pounds of invasive algae
• Planted 430 native plants to stabilize shorelines
• Created 10 new jobs at KHM, supporting local livelihoods
• Logged 4,832 volunteer hours, engaging the community in hands-on conservation

And there’s more on the horizon for this impactful project.

A Deeper Dive into Monitoring Sedimentation

By working closely with our partners on fishpond rehabilitation, together, we’ve created a detailed plan to monitor how the environment responds and how successful the rehabilitation efforts are. 

On Molokai, our partners collect water samples from their fishponds twice a week to measure the amount of sediment in the water. This helps us set a baseline to understand the level of sediment stress in the area. It also gives us important information about the risks of sedimentation from the surrounding watersheds, especially during large storms. Since receiving training in July 2024, KHM has collected over 50 days of water samples, including data from two major storms.

We’ve noticed significant spikes in water turbidity—basically, how cloudy the water becomes—after big storms. To better understand and measure this threat, we’re using turbidity measurements paired with sediment traps to collect sediment that settles on the ocean floor. Turbidity measurements show how much sediment stays suspended in the water, which blocks sunlight from reaching corals. Without enough sunlight, corals struggle to produce the energy they need to survive. The sediment traps, on the other hand, tell us how much sediment is landing directly on the corals, forcing them to use valuable energy to expel the sediment. 

Both of these challenges can weaken coral health and reduce their ability to cope with other major stresses, like those caused by climate change.

In our first year working with KHM, we’ve learned a lot about how these stressors affect coastal waters and have established a baseline for current threat levels. With this baseline, we’ll be able to understand how rehabilitation efforts on land are working to reduce sediment runoff into the reefs.

Support from the Love Tito’s Initiative and NOAA

Community-led conservation efforts like this thrive with the support of individuals, foundations, and organizations that value local stewardship. This work is sponsored by NOAA and wouldn’t be possible without their financial assistance. Support for this project is generously funded with a federal award from the US Department of Commerce and authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act, NA23NOS4730179.

The Love Tito’s Initiative, Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s philanthropic program, has also provided funding to help scale up restoration work, ensuring Molokai’s residents have the tools and resources needed to protect their reefs for future generations.

A Model for Reef Conservation

By blending traditional Hawaiian knowledge with modern science, the work in Molokai is setting an example for reef conservation worldwide. The success of this initiative demonstrates that when local communities lead restoration efforts, ecosystems and people thrive together.

As climate change and environmental pressures continue to threaten coral reefs, Molokai’s approach offers a hopeful and replicable solution—one rooted in culture, collaboration, and a deep respect for the land and sea.

The post Protecting Molokai’s Coral Reefs with Community Restoration appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Below are our favorite stories of 2024, showcasing the power of healthy coral reefs, collective action, and hope for our oceans. Let’s dive in!

2024 Highlights

Assessing Coral Reefs through Adaptation Science

Adapting to climate change is vital for coral reef survival, and this article delves into the cutting-edge science behind coral adaptation. Learn how researchers assess reef resilience, predict future changes, and develop strategies to help reefs thrive under challenging conditions. By connecting scientific innovation with conservation action, the article highlights how adaptation science is shaping the future of reef preservation.

Discover how science is influencing efforts to help coral reefs to adapt and thrive. Read more >

5 Surprising Ways Coral Reefs Are Connected to Our Daily Lives

Coral reefs aren’t just underwater marvels—they play a vital role in our everyday lives, often in ways we don’t realize. This article uncovers five unexpected connections between coral reefs and human activities, from protecting coastlines to supporting livelihoods and even contributing to medical breakthroughs. Each link highlights the critical importance of reefs to our planet’s health and our own well-being.

Discover how coral reefs shape our world. Read more >

Protecting Coral Reefs Through Community-Led Patrolling

Community-led patrolling is an effective approach to coral reef conservation. This article highlights the success of local communities taking charge of protecting their reefs by monitoring fishing activities, preventing illegal practices, and fostering a sense of stewardship. By working together, these communities are ensuring coral ecosystems are protected for future generations. The article emphasizes how supporting local groups can lead to stronger, more sustainable conservation efforts.

Learn how community-led initiatives are making a difference in coral reef protection. Read more >

The Importance of Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital to the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems. This article dives into how MPAs provide a safe haven for marine life, strengthen biodiversity, and enhance reef resilience against threats like climate change. With real-world examples of MPAs in action, the article underscores why expanding and supporting these protected areas is crucial for our planet’s future.

Learn how MPAs make a difference and what you can do to support them. Read More >

Restoring Coral Reefs Through Clean Water and Sustainable Fisheries

Restoring coral reefs requires more than just addressing immediate threats—it involves long-term solutions that promote environmental health. This article explores how improving water quality and implementing sustainable fisheries practices can create a healthier habitat for coral reefs. Learn about the importance of clean, nutrient-balanced waters and the role of responsible fishing practices in maintaining reef ecosystems, offering practical steps for communities and stakeholders to ensure coral resilience.

Learn how clean water and sustainable fisheries are key to coral reef restoration. Read more >

Why Clean Water is Vital for the Future of Our Oceans

Clean water is the foundation of healthy marine ecosystems, coral reefs included. This article explores how water quality impacts coral reef resilience, from nutrient balance to pollution control. It highlights the urgent need for local and global action to reduce pollutants and ensure clean water flows into our oceans, restoring coral reefs and securing a healthy future for marine life.

Learn why clean water is essential for ocean health and how you can help protect it. Read more >

9 Game-Changing Impacts of Clean Water for Coral Reefs

Talk about low-hanging fruit. Proper wastewater treatment plays a crucial role in protecting coral reefs from harmful pollutants. This article highlights nine powerful ways improving wastewater systems can help coral reefs thrive, from reducing nutrient pollution to restoring water quality in critical reef habitats. By tackling the sources of excess nutrients and toxins, these solutions contribute to healthier ecosystems, supporting both marine life and local communities.

Discover how clean water is transforming coral reef conservation. Read more >

River to Reef – How All Waterways Impact Coral Ecosystems

Every drop of water eventually flows to the ocean, and what it carries has a direct impact on coral reefs. This article unpacks the critical connection between rivers, watersheds, and marine ecosystems, highlighting how upstream activities influence reef health. From reducing agricultural runoff to managing stormwater, the article provides actionable insights into protecting coral ecosystems from land-based threats.

Explore the intricate links between waterways and coral reefs. Read more >

The Community Resilience Fund in Action

The Community Resilience Fund is a powerful initiative that supports local communities in their efforts to protect coral reefs from the compounded threats of climate change and human activity. This article showcases how the fund is making an impact by funding projects that build long-term resilience, from sustainable fisheries to ecosystem restoration. 

Learn how the Community Resilience Fund is helping strengthen coastal communities in the face of climate change. Read more >

See Also: Reflections and Resilience – A Year After the Lahaina Wildfires >

Inside CORAL’s Action-Packed Staff Summit

What happens when the passionate team behind coral reef conservation comes together? This article takes you inside CORAL’s staff summit, a dynamic gathering filled with collaboration, strategy-building, and inspiration. From fieldwork updates to future plans, the summit highlights the power of teamwork in advancing coral reef protection. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how CORAL’s dedicated staff drives meaningful change for our oceans.

Get an insider’s view of this transformative event. Read more >

Introducing the Team Behind Hawai’i’s Reef Conservation

What happens when the passionate team behind coral reef conservation comes together? This article takes you inside CORAL’s staff summit, a dynamic gathering filled with collaboration, strategy-building, and inspiration. From fieldwork updates to future plans, the summit highlights the power of teamwork in advancing coral reef protection. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how CORAL’s dedicated staff drives meaningful change for our oceans.

Get an insider’s view of this transformative event. Read more >

Corals Decoded: Animals or Plants? Common Myths Debunked

Are corals animals, plants, or something in between? This article dives into the fascinating biology of corals, debunking common myths and revealing their true nature. From their symbiotic partnerships with algae to their vital role in marine ecosystems, you’ll gain a new appreciation for these remarkable organisms.

Discover the surprising truths about corals and their significance to ocean life. Read More >

Cheers to Healthier Reefs the New Year

As we turn the page on 2024, these stories remind us of the interconnectedness of our world. Coral reefs are not just beautiful ecosystems; they are vital to the health of our planet. By amplifying community voices, harnessing innovative technologies, and fostering global collaboration, the Coral Reef Alliance is paving the way for a brighter future.

Let’s carry forward the momentum of this year into the next, taking inspiration from these incredible achievements to continue championing coral reef conservation. Together, we can make a difference—one reef, one community, one story at a time.

The post 2024 Greatest Hits of the CORAL Blog appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

We’re beyond excited to dive into another year of protecting our ocean’s gems—and it’s all thanks to you! Every donation you make fuels our mission to keep coral reefs thriving and full of life. In 2025, we’re kicking things up a notch with a strategic focus to Assess, Protect, and Restore coral reefs—three powerful ways your contributions will make an impactful difference.

Here’s a sneak peek at how your support is driving real change and concrete outcomes next year!

Assess: Understanding and Accelerating Change

Here at CORAL, we’re committed to using data and research to inform the most effective conservation efforts. In 2025, as we assess coral health, water quality, and adaptation potential, your support will be instrumental in:

• Catalyzing Change: We’ve done the heavy lifting and learned a lot along the way, and our team is on track to replicate CORAL’s impact on a broader scale. In 2025, we’ll launch projects in new geographies, scaling our way to 2030, starting with a list of priority projects aimed at Clean Water for Reefs and Sustainable Fisheries.
• Strengthening Partnerships: A new robust partnership framework will guide partnerships and regional collaborations, ensuring all interventions are based on sound science and community needs.
• Driving Climate Adaptation Science: Your donations will support our ongoing research to estimate a reef’s adaptive capacity using freely available, remotely sensed data – a game changing tool for reef-dependent communities.

Give to CORAL >

Through these initiatives, our goal is to scale what we know works, providing communities and ecosystems with the knowledge, data, and tools to thrive.

Protect: Increasing Protections & Resilience of Communities

Protecting coral reefs and the communities who rely on them is critical to our mission. With your support, in 2025, we will continue to ensure effective protection of marine areas and build community leaders for long-term guardianship of coral reef ecosystems. With your donations, we will: 

• Rezone Protected Areas: Your donations this season will support development of a cutting-edge model to inform climate-resilient marine spatial planning in the Western Caribbean. Through this collaborative effort, we’ll drive protected area rezoning initiatives that prioritize climate adaptation. 
• Bolster Marine Protections: With your support, we will not only establish critical protected zones but also strengthen effectiveness with patrolling and enforcement of regulations. We work to ensure protections are upheld and reefs are shielded from harmful activities. 
• Enact Climate-Smart Policies: Your donations support our initiatives to encourage ‘climate-smart’ conservation policies and projects that consider genetic diversity within existing 30×30 commitments, thereby increasing long-term coral reef survival via adaptation. 
• Build Local Coalitions and Technical Assistance: We’re committed to strengthening local capacity in 2025 by providing funding and expertise to our network of regional partners. 

Donate to Protect Coral Reefs >

These efforts will protect vital coral habitats, demonstrating how practical, community-driven interventions can achieve lasting protection.

Restore: Rebuilding Resilient Coral Ecosystems

Restoring coral reefs is about more than just rebuilding ecosystems—it’s about ensuring healthy, adaptive reefs that support long-term ocean vitality. In 2025, CORAL is leading this charge with innovative research and sustainable management practices to tackle the biggest threats to reefs. Here’s what we’ll accomplish together:

• Ecosystem Restoration: In Hawai‘i, our team will ramp up essential projects and partnerships focused on watershed and fishpond restoration, expanding efforts to three new fishponds to restore and enhance the health of surrounding coral reefs.
• Clean Water Threat Reduction: We are working to secure $1.9 million to fund wastewater management solutions in five new communities, treating an additional 200 million gallons of wastewater each year(!!)—protecting coral reefs and the people who rely on them.
• Sustainable Fishing Threat Reduction: With your support, we will advocate for the Mesoamerican Reef to be designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA), which would provide this biodiverse region with increased protections against shipping impacts and pollution, helping shield fisheries, local communities, and vital reef habitats.

Fund our Restoration Work >

Guided by NOAA’s definition of coral reef restoration as the “process of assisting the recovery of coral reefs that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed,” our efforts focus on nurturing ecosystems back to health and resilience by reducing threats. Our projects are designed to create and expand protected areas, preserve fish populations, and support community-led, climate-smart conservation efforts, resulting in long-lasting stewardship of coral reef ecosystems.

Coral reefs need you NOW more than ever.

You can be a part of this transformative mission by donating today. Your unwavering support drives our work, and we invite you to be a vital force in protecting coral reefs in 2025 and beyond.

The post Turning the Tide for Coral Reefs in 2025 appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Through scientific research, we work to understand how coral reefs can adapt in the face of climate change and translate our findings into data-driven solutions.

Why We Assess

Coral reefs support coastal communities, act as natural barriers against storm surges, and are critical to marine biodiversity. However, they are severely threatened by pollution, unsustainable fishing, and climate change, with predictions that almost all coral reefs could be lost by 2050 if current trends continue. 

CORAL recognizes that climate change is a profound challenge for reefs and that reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be key to their survival. 

However, though climate change is a global problem, strategic local protection is still critical to maximizing the probability of coral reef survival and recovery. Through actionable science, we strive to understand how to make this possible and provide tools to enable climate-smart reef protection across the globe. 

Our Science

Over almost a decade of scientific research, CORAL and its partners have shown that protecting connected networks of genetically diverse reefs is critical to ensuring their survival and recovery. 

Genetic variation is the fuel of evolution. Organisms with genes that are best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, sending their unique genetic code on to the next generation. This process is known as natural selection. Over multiple generations of natural selection, species can evolve, displaying new traits and characteristics. And the more genetically diverse a population of organisms is, the more likely some of those individuals will be able to adapt to whatever circumstances arise. It’s this idea that is essential to coral reefs surviving the heat stress created by climate change. 

Through simulating coral reef survival under different climate scenarios, we’ve shown that genetically diverse coral reef networks are much more likely to survive warming waters than their less diverse counterparts. Our research has also found that genetic connections between coral reefs (e.g. via currents that carry coral larvae) are crucial to their prospects because genetic exchange, especially from reefs that are already adapted to high temperatures, can enhance the odds of resilience.

These findings present us with a few key implications for how we can help corals survive warming oceans. 

First, we must reduce carbon emissions and slow the rate of climate change to give corals a fighting chance. Second, we must protect a diversity of reefs that are themselves genetically diverse. Doing so increases the odds that heat-adapted individuals will be present and naturally selected. Third, we can’t just protect individual patches of reef; we must ensure that reefs are protected in connected networks to allow the exchange of genes. And finally, we must pay particular attention to the presence of hot reefs in these networks, which should allow heat-adapted larvae to spread to other reefs.

From Science to Action

Despite the importance of genetic variation in coral reef resilience, approaches to reef management often fail to account for evolutionary criteria. This is because assessing coral reef genetic diversity is costly and requires expertise that many practitioners do not have available. 

CORAL is working closely with partners to evaluate whether we can estimate coral reef genetic diversity and adaptive capacity from remotely sensed data. As we develop adequate proxies, we can then scale these up, creating a globally applicable tool, which we’re aiming to launch in 2025.

Making this information easily and freely accessible worldwide would catalyze its incorporation into coral reef management and marine spatial planning processes as part of countries’ 30×30 commitments. Our Global Conservation Science team’s goal is to influence and leverage partners, fieldwork, and technology to drive adaptation-focused conservation solutions that will rescue coral reefs from the effects of climate change.

Climate REEFS

In 2023, CORAL proudly expanded its conservation efforts into the Coral Triangle, a vital marine region spanning six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. This biodiversity hotspot is home to 76% of the world’s coral species and supports the livelihoods of millions through fishing, tourism, and coastal protection services.

As part of the Climate REEFS initiative (Integrating Risks, Evolution, and socio-Economics for Fisheries Sustainability)—a multi-million dollar collaboration of partners in the USA, UK, Indonesia, and the Philippines—CORAL is working to develop techniques to identify adaptive reefs using remote sensing technologies. The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop a freely available, online tool that can identify genetically diverse reefs across the globe. In-country Climate REEFS partners hope to work with relevant government bodies in Indonesia and the Philippines to co-create revised provincial and national-level marine management plans that reflect our findings.

Identifying and Prioritizing Adaptive Capacity in Marine Conservation

CORAL also developed an international consortium of conservationists, ecologists, and computer scientists with a shared interest in evaluating whether we can measure coral reef diversity and adaptive capacity from space. Through examining relationships between measures of diversity (e.g. species diversity, genetic diversity, and others) and remotely sensed metrics at a series of pilot sites, this group strives to identify the best proxies for reef measures of adaptive potential—work that complements the research undertaken by Climate REEFS. 

Our members’ research encompasses a range of approaches and spans three oceans: the Pacific, including sites in the North (e.g., Hawai’i, Palau, and Republic of the Marshall Islands), South (e.g., Fiji), and Indo-west Pacific (e.g., Indonesia and the Philippines), the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean (Mozambique), and the Atlantic (e.g., Honduras and the Turks and Caicos Islands).

Influencing Reef Conservation Approaches Across the Globe

Through outreach and collaboration with partners, CORAL’s approach to reef conservation has been shared and recognized across the globe. 

Last year, for instance, CORAL contributed to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Target 3 Partnership Meeting in Cambridge, which aimed to coordinate implementation efforts of the Post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and build technical capacity. The guidelines developed at this meeting and ones like it will inform conservation approaches for diverse ecosystems everywhere on Earth. 

CORAL has also recently been accredited by the UN Environment Programme, co-published seven high-impact scientific papers over the last seven years, and shared its findings at multiple high-profile conferences and events. 

Notably, in 2023, CORAL further expanded its reach by securing two CORAL Fellows, one of whom is supporting Pacific Coral Triangle countries, based in Honiara, and one of whom is supporting Southeast Asian countries in the Coral Triangle, based in Manado at the Regional Secretariat of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security. These locally-based consultants are contributing to a climate risk assessment for Coral Triangle reefs as well as a policy analysis that aims to inform fisheries management by reviewing gendered climate vulnerability and climate risks.

Looking Ahead

CORAL’s Assess efforts, which center around understanding how we can protect reefs to encourage effective climate change adaptation, are critical to the future health and resilience of coral reefs worldwide. 

By working to create readily available tools and resources that enable practitioners in under-resourced settings to incorporate genetic diversity into their coral reef conservation approaches, we’re working to improve the odds that coral reefs will survive and recover in a rapidly changing world. 

Our commitment to understanding how we can help corals adapt continues to yield meaningful results. Over the last few years, we’ve successfully co-authored multiple successfully funded research projects, expanded our work to the Coral Triangle (a hub of coral reef biodiversity), and continued to form and strengthen partnerships that help us magnify our international impact. CORAL is not only working to save coral reefs but also to foster a global community united by a common goal: to protect and restore one of our planet’s most valuable and life-giving ecosystems. Together, we can ensure coral reefs—and the communities that depend on them—continue to thrive for generations to come.

See Also: What is a Marine Protected Area?

The post Assessing Coral Reefs through Adaptation Science appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

The ecological significance of the Cayman Crown goes beyond its coral health. Its distinctive bathymetry supports fish spawning aggregations (FSAs), a process crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations throughout the Gulf of Honduras. With its strategic location, Cayman Crown plays a pivotal role in connecting marine species across various life stages, ensuring the continuity and health of commercially significant fish stocks (Giró, 2019; Pérez Murcia, 2020). The high biomass of fish and other species supported by this reef is essential for the livelihoods of local communities, many of whom depend on these resources for their economic well-being.

The MAR Fish Pilot Project

With generous support from the MAR Fund, through the MAR Fish Project, CORAL and MAR Fund have partnered to formally understand and mitigate the impact of the closure of the  Cayman Crown Reef as a key Fish Spawning Aggregation site. By legally protecting this reef and the livelihoods that depend on it, we are working to safeguard its biodiversity and the crucial fish stocks it supports, reducing pressures on the ecosystem and fostering sustainable fishing practices in nearby communities.

This pilot project has been built upon CORAL’s ongoing efforts to support fishers and coastal communities throughout the Honduran Caribbean. Our team has accumulated a valuable socio-economic database across 33 fishing communities in the region, enabling us to develop tools that promote sustainable fisheries management and livelihood diversification strategies. These insights, combined with CORAL and MAR Fund’s establishment of a socioeconomic baseline for Honduran fishers at Cayman Crown, set a robust foundation for crafting sustainable solutions for both the reef and the communities that rely on it.

One of our biggest learnings during the implementation of the project was to know the willingness of fishing communities to learn and change. The communities are understanding the importance of developing projects to diversify their livelihoods that implement sustainable practices to conserve and recover marine ecosystems. They know that the sustainable use of natural resources is a legacy that transcends generations and shapes a future in which both people and the planet can thrive.

Partnering with Fishers for Sustainability and Economic Resilience

The Cayman Crown initiative is structured around strengthening local fishers by equipping them with the resources and knowledge needed to diversify their income sources beyond fishing. We recognize that effective conservation requires addressing the economic needs of local communities. To this end, our project prioritizes capacity strengthening and the development of alternative livelihoods that support both marine conservation and economic resilience.

Through these focused efforts, we have successfully strengthened fishers’ associations in two key Honduran communities, equipping them with leadership skills, fund management expertise, and sustainable tourism practices. This achievement has laid the foundation for a network of legally recognized fishers’ associations, now poised to drive forward livelihood diversification strategies. By enhancing their resilience, these communities are better prepared to move beyond fishing as their only source of income.

CORAL has worked hand-in-hand with local fishers to develop and launch three livelihood diversification projects, complete with technical, logistical, and financial backing. These projects are creating sustainable economic avenues that benefit both the reef ecosystem and local communities. As these initiatives take hold, fishers are transitioning to resilient economic models that promise to lessen their dependence on fishing, helping to safeguard marine biodiversity while supporting local prosperity.

With transparency and community connection at our core, we’ve documented each phase of our work, sharing stories, visuals, and infographics that capture the impact of these efforts on local livelihoods and conservation. Our multi-language communication strategy—offered in English, Spanish, and Garifuna—ensures that every community member, as well as global supporters, can appreciate the meaningful outcomes of these projects.

Together, through collaboration, capacity strengthening, and innovative livelihood strategies, we are working to ensure that Cayman Crown continues to thrive as a vital marine habitat—and a source of opportunity for generations to come.

The post Protecting the Cayman Crown – A Vital Step for Coral Reef Conservation and Local Livelihoods appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Guided by NOAA’s definition of coral reef restoration as the “process of assisting the recovery of coral reefs that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed,” our restore efforts focus on nurturing ecosystems back to health and resilience by reducing threats. This means our team works threats to coral ecosystems by improving water quality and promoting sustainable fishing practices, while also supporting community-led, climate-smart conservation efforts, resulting in long-lasting stewardship of coral reef ecosystems

Why We Restore

Coral reefs are critical to marine biodiversity, support coastal communities, and act as natural barriers against storm surges.

However, they are under severe threat from pollution, unsustainable fishing, and climate change, with predictions that almost all coral reefs could be lost by 2050 if current trends continue. CORAL recognizes that while climate change is a profound challenge, coral reefs can still adapt—if we reduce local pressures.

Through threat reduction in the form of clean water and sustainable fisheries initiatives, we are actively working to restore coral resilience, biodiversity, and community support for long-term reef health.

Clean Water for Reefs

Healthy coral reefs require clean water, but pollution from land-based sources, such as untreated or improperly treated wastewater and sediment runoff, often disrupts this balance.

Polluted water causes stress, disease, and degradation in marine ecosystems, making it harder for corals to survive. CORAL’s Clean Water for Reefs initiative tackles this issue head-on by working with local communities to assess water quality, advocate for laws supporting wastewater and watershed management, and operationalize pollution-control infrastructure.

Our efforts in clean water management include:

Implementing Wastewater Solutions

CORAL collaborates with community partners to build and manage wastewater treatment plants in critical areas, ensuring that sewage is kept out of the ocean. 

For example, in West End, Roatan, CORAL’s support of a local wastewater treatment plant has prevented 29 million gallons of sewage from reaching the reefs each year. In Coxen Hole, we’re advancing efforts to expand this capacity and expect to prevent an additional 49 million gallons of wastewater pollution by the end of 2025.

The restoration work happening here is essential for the recovery of our coasts and the survival of marine life. We are enhancing the reef’s ability to withstand climate-related stress. There has been a restoration of the reef because of our wastewater treatment facility as well as a restoration of hope for the community.

Susy Ochoa, Executive Director, Polo’s Water Association

Reducing Sediment Runoff

Sediment runoff from erosion and land development smothers coral reefs, blocking sunlight and hindering coral growth.

Through watershed restoration and fishpond rehabilitation projects, particularly in Hawai’i, we’re preventing large amounts of sediment from reaching reefs and preserving these essential marine habitats. In 2025, we’ll begin assessing how this work in Hawai’i can influence other areas in the Pacific Islands with the same threats.

Community and Legislative Advocacy

Hand-in-hand with our Protect work, CORAL is improving water quality by advocating for strong environmental policies and engaging local communities in stewardship. In Hawai’i, for instance, we introduced legislation to expedite cesspool conversion, a necessary step to reduce sewage pollution and protect both coral reefs and public health.

These initiatives are grounded in actionable science, allowing CORAL to measure progress and make evidence-based adjustments to our strategies. Over time, our Clean Water for Reefs efforts have led to measurable reductions in fecal bacteria levels in coastal waters, improvements in water quality, and decreased harmful macro algae that threaten coral habitats.

Sustainable Fisheries

Overfishing is another major threat to coral reefs, as it disrupts the delicate balance of reef ecosystems. CORAL’s sustainable fisheries programs work to restore fish populations and reef biodiversity by collaborating with local communities to establish protected areas and enforce sustainable fishing practices.

Protected Areas

With community partners, CORAL has established and improved the management of protected areas across marine ecosystems in the Western Caribbean, Fiji, the Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines),  and Hawai’i. These protected areas serve as safe havens for fish populations, allowing them to grow and contribute to the overall health of the coral reefs.

See Also: What is a Marine Protected Area?

Supporting Local Fisheries

In partnership with coastal communities, CORAL’s fisheries projects aim to enhance fish biomass—by as much as 200% in some regions—thus benefiting both the reef and local livelihoods. Healthier reefs provide a more stable habitat for fish, allowing fishers to harvest higher-quality catches, which helps build a sustainable economy around responsible fishing.

Our most recent sustainable fisheries work includes two fishpond restoration projects on the island of Molokai, Hawai’i. These ancient Hawaiian fishponds, unique to the Pacific Islands, once supported local communities by maintaining abundant and sustainable fish populations.

CORAL has joined forces with community nonprofit Ka Honua Momona in Molokai to restore these ponds, which removes sediment buildup, controls invasive species, and promotes sustainable fishing practices. By reviving these traditional systems, we not only help protect the local reefs from harmful sediment but also honor and support local culture and livelihoods. This work enhances the resilience of reef ecosystems around Molokai and preserves a heritage practice that strengthens both community and ecological health.

Our sustainable fisheries work is essential to restoring balance in reef ecosystems, helping them recover from past pressures and adapt to changing conditions.

Looking Ahead – Building Resilience Together

CORAL’s Restore efforts—centered around threat reduction in the form of clean water and sustainable fisheries—are critical to the health and resilience of coral reefs worldwide. 

By addressing pollution and overfishing, we’re creating the conditions that allow coral reefs to adapt and survive in a rapidly changing world. Our commitment to science-based action, community engagement, and policy advocacy continues to yield meaningful results, with cleaner waters, healthier fish populations, and stronger reefs that support both biodiversity and coastal communities.

Through our partnerships with local stakeholders and our dedication to long-term conservation solutions, CORAL is not only working to save coral reefs but also to foster a global community united by a common goal: to protect and restore one of our planet’s most valuable and life-giving ecosystems.

Together, we can ensure that coral reefs—and the communities that depend on them—continue to thrive for generations to come.

The post Restoring Coral Reefs Through Clean Water and Sustainable Fisheries appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

The fires that tore through Lahaina not only ravaged homes and landscapes but also shattered the fabric of our community. For me, this event was more than a professional challenge—it was a deeply personal one. My family and I lost our home, and in the aftermath, we found ourselves displaced, moving multiple times and facing significant hurdles. Finding stable housing has been a continuous struggle, especially with the added challenge of having a beloved pet. Despite these hardships, we remain hopeful, buoyed by the collective strength and resilience of our community.

Hoʻomau ka ʻuhane o Maui—the spirit of Maui endures

In the year since the fires, our island has been on a journey of recovery—one that is as complex as it is hopeful. The fires left a deep scar on Maui, with over 1,399 homes destroyed and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. 

But despite these immense challenges, there has been progress. Iconic places like Banyan Tree Park and the Lahaina public library are back open to residents, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the recovery efforts. The beloved Banyan tree, which was heavily damaged, has shown remarkable signs of regrowth, a symbol of our resilience. However, it’s important to acknowledge that while these milestones are significant, much work remains to be done. Affordable housing is still a critical issue, and many in our community remain displaced, grappling with the ongoing emotional toll of the tragedy.

The Community Resilience Fund in Action

In response to the fires, CORAL launched the Community Resilience Fund to provide unrestricted support to local environmental organizations and initiatives. The aim was to empower those who know Maui best—our local leaders, community members, and grassroots organizations—to address the most urgent environmental needs during this time of crisis. Over the past year, this fund has supported a wide range of environmental recovery efforts.

One of the organizations supported by the fund is Treecovery, which has potted 3,500 trees in 14 grow hubs across Maui and is partnering with master carver Dale Zarella on a series of carvings called “Rising from the Ashes; Spirits of Lāhainā.” These creations, crafted from burned trees, symbolize the resilience and regeneration of our land.

Another organization supported by the fund is the Maui Bioremediation Group, a grassroots coalition formed to address the environmental damage caused by the fires in Maui. Their mission is to heal the burn scars on the island using bioremediation—natural mitigation methods involving native plants, fungi, and locally-made compost. Their work focuses on making the soil safer for future planting, improving water quality, and protecting the ocean from toxic runoff.

The outpouring of support from across the globe has been overwhelming, and I’m deeply moved by the generosity of those who have contributed.

Healing Our Island’s Ecosystems

When the wildfire swept through Lahaina last August, it left behind a trail of toxic ash, laced with contaminants like arsenic, lead, and copper. These pollutants now pose a serious threat to nearshore health, which are vital to both our community’s economic stability and our cultural identity. Our regional program director, Manuel Mejia, often reminds us of the Hawaiian proverb, “E ola ke kai, E ola kākou,” meaning “As the sea thrives, so do we.” This connection between our well-being and the health of our reefs is deeply rooted in our lives here.

In the immediate aftermath, barriers were installed around storm drains to filter out debris, but much of the ash still makes its way into the ocean. Local scientists and community members are working tirelessly to monitor the situation. Citizen scientists are using drones to film runoff, and researchers are collecting soil and water samples to understand the extent of the contamination. For example, Dr. Andrea Kealoha from the University of Hawaii has been deploying water sensors that capture data on everything from oxygen levels to water movement, providing a clearer picture of how our reefs are responding.

The full impact of the toxins on coral reefs will take time to fully understand. In the short term, fewer human stressors like tourism might offer some temporary relief, but the long-term effects remain uncertain. There’s also concern about potential toxins building up in fish, threatening food security for many who rely on the reef for their sustenance.

As we continue to navigate these challenges, we’re committed to protecting and restoring our precious marine ecosystems, ensuring that they can thrive once again.

Looking Forward

There’s still so much to be done, but the resilience and determination of the Maui community give me hope. Every day, I’m inspired by the people around me—the neighbors who’ve turned their homes into makeshift shelters, the volunteers who’ve shown up day after day, and the donors who’ve contributed to our recovery efforts. This past year has been the most challenging of my life, but it has also been a testament to the power of community.

To everyone who has supported us—whether through donations, volunteer work, or simply keeping us in your thoughts—mahalo. Your support means the world to us as we continue the long road to rebuilding and restoring our island home.

The post Reflections and Resilience – A Year After the Lahaina Wildfires appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Today, NOAA announced that “the world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event.” Since early 2023 mass bleaching “has been confirmed in at least 53 countries, territories, and local economies.” Tragically, NOAA’s report shares that they have “now received confirmation of widespread bleaching across parts of the Indian Ocean, including Tanzania, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Tromelin, Mayotte, and off the western coast of Indonesia.” The gravity of this news cannot be overstated as we’re seeing coral bleaching impact more resilient areas.

Let’s talk about what this means and what’s next.

As global temperatures continue to rise, marine heatwaves have become more frequent and severe, subjecting coral reefs to prolonged stress. The result is widespread coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to their stark white appearance and eventual death if the stress persists.
This fourth global bleaching event is a glaring reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to combat a warming planet and help coral reefs adapt to climate change. Supporting the adaptive capacity of corals to handle changing environmental conditions is imperative if we want them to survive.

Action Against Bleaching

If there was ever a time to roll up your sleeves and get involved in this fight, the time is now. We must take immediate action to lessen further damage to coral reefs while they’re in this vulnerable state. 

What are you doing to help corals rebound from bleaching and battle climate change?
Click here to support our conservation work >

The CORAL team worked together to launch the Coral Bleaching: Toolkit & Comprehensive Guide last summer. This toolkit provides essential resources and strategies to aid in conservation efforts surrounding a bleaching event. A recent update includes more remote sensing and on-site monitoring resources and introduces a section dedicated to online apps.

As we face mass coral bleaching, we hope that the update of our Toolkit and Guide provides a timely compilation of resources of what can be done before, during, and after a bleaching event, and galvanizes support for these amazing ecosystems.

Dr. Helen Fox, Conservation Science Director, CORAL

The toolkit contains actionable guidelines for reporting bleaching events, monitoring reef health, and implementing best practices for tourism sites to minimize additional stress on coral ecosystems.

By following these guidelines and taking proactive measures, we are helping reduce stressors to coral reefs to minimize the devastating impacts of bleaching on marine biodiversity. Corals can survive bleaching, but they need our assistance.

Coral bleaching demands urgent global collaboration to highlight its severity and drive better policies. This Toolkit consolidates information from diverse organizations working on coral bleaching into one accessible resource. Now, urgent steps are needed to integrate these efforts and datasets to ensure unified communication.

Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa

Action at CORAL

In addition to providing guidance and resources, like the coral bleaching toolkit and water quality monitoring protocol, all members of the CORAL team are committed to the collective action of our alliance and partnerships, especially supporting local efforts on the ground and in the water.

As our conservation science work has shown, corals can adapt to climate change…if we help them. Our team is working diligently toward securing clean water and healthy fish populations in coastal communities so coral reefs have a fighting chance in this warming world.

During these critical times of bleaching, we’re working closely with our partners to assess the evolving situation and provide necessary resources and funding for monitoring efforts and studies.
In our 30 years of coral conservation, we know supporting coastal communities and helping build their resilience is one of the most important factors in co-creating lasting, sustainable change for coral reefs. More specifically, this includes sharing replicable models to empower coastal communities near priority reefs to take control of their wastewater treatment and fishing practices. It also includes education around sustainable tourism and augmenting ocean literacy, particularly for youths.

Uniting for Reef Resilience

As we sit on the cusp of this fourth global bleaching event – indisputably the worst bleaching event in our planet’s history – we’re reminded of the urgent need for bold and decisive action to protect coral reefs from the consequences of coral bleaching, as well as addressing the root cause: climate change. Corals will not survive for generations to come unless rising carbon emissions are tackled with intention. 

We must come together as a global community to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems. By leveraging the power of science, innovation, and collective action, we can alter the grim trajectory we’re on and reposition coral reefs toward a more sustainable future. As part of the CORAL community, we must continuously reinforce that action is the best remedy for despair. 

Together, let us rise to the challenge and safeguard the health of our planet’s coral reefs.

For all media inquiries, please contact Kate at communications@coral.org.

The post Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Underscores Urgency of Action appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

These areas are crucial for protecting marine life and their homes, while also allowing for responsible human interaction with these vital ecosystems.

MPAs act as crucial refuges for countless marine species, shielding them from threats like overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. By offering safe breeding grounds, MPAs do more than just conserve biodiversity; they also help replenish fish stocks, supporting both the natural environment and the economies of coastal communities. This dual benefit is a testament to the essential role MPAs play in maintaining ocean health. Moreover, MPAs serve as critical research hubs, offering insights into marine ecology and helping to refine conservation efforts to bolster the resilience of marine ecosystems around the globe.

Types of MPAs, From No-Take to Multiple-Use

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a pivotal role in the health and sustainability of our oceans. Among the diverse types of MPAs, no-take zones stand out for their strict conservation measures. In these areas, all forms of extractive activities, including fishing, drilling, and mining, are prohibited. This absolute protection is designed to allow marine ecosystems to recover and flourish, undisturbed by human interference, making them vital sanctuaries for endangered species and biodiversity hotspots.

On the other hand, multiple-use MPAs offer a balanced approach, permitting certain activities under stringent regulations. These areas are designed to harmonize environmental protection with human needs, allowing for sustainable fishing, responsible tourism, and even some level of resource extraction. The goal is to ensure these activities do not compromise the ecological integrity of the marine environment. By implementing a carefully managed plan, multiple-use MPAs can support local economies, providing livelihoods for communities while still prioritizing the conservation of marine life and habitats.

Dr. Helen Fox, our Conservation Science Director, has helped shed new light on how effective these MPAs can be. She has contributed to research showing that both no-take zones and multiple-use areas play a vital role in preserving the rich biodiversity of our oceans. Even in places where human activity is high, multiple-use MPAs can work just as well as no-take zones in helping marine life flourish and supporting the people who live nearby. This finding is crucial because it shows we need all types of MPAs to keep our oceans healthy and resilient.

Thanks to Dr. Fox’s insights, we’re learning that the right balance of protection and sustainable use in MPAs can make a big difference for both our marine environments and local communities. It’s about finding ways to protect our oceans while also considering the needs of those who depend on them.

Strengthening Communities and Embracing Diversity Through Conservation

The success of MPAs is deeply intertwined with the active participation of local communities. By incorporating traditional knowledge with the latest in conservation science, MPAs foster a profound sense of responsibility and care among those who live by the sea.

This partnership model not only protects the marine environment but also improves the livelihoods of people who depend on these resources. 

From the vibrant ecosystems of the Galápagos Marine Reserve to the historical sites within the USS Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, MPAs protect a wide range of unique habitats and species. Despite covering just a fraction of the ocean’s vast expanse, these areas are critical to global marine conservation efforts, contributing significantly to the overall health of our oceans.

In Honduras, for example, we’ve seen remarkable progress with over 8,401 square kilometers of MPAs now under effective management and protection, partly thanks to the introduction of locally supported patrolling programs. This effort has been vital in protecting these areas from illegal activities and ensuring a thriving habitat for marine life.

The Future of Protected Areas

Our journey in marine conservation is evolving, with a keen focus on practical steps to protect our oceans. A prime example of this is our initiative to establish a new ‘no-take zone’ in Roatan, Honduras. This area, stretching from Sandy Bay to West Bay, is a critical reef ecosystem, highlighted by the discovery of vital fish spawning sites.

To make this vision a reality, we’re teaming up with local communities, dive shops, and government bodies. Our approach is all about working together—educating, planning, and enforcing conservation strategies that everyone can stand behind. Together, we create a united front against overfishing and poaching, ensuring our marine life thrives.

This effort in Roatan is just the beginning. We believe in the power of community-driven conservation to spark widespread change, protecting our oceans for the future. Join us as we continue to fight for these vital ecosystems, one step at a time.

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