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.

Protecting coral reefs is not about swooping in with a single solution; it’s about equipping local organizations and community leaders who know the reefs intimately and have been conserving these waters for generations. CORAL provides support by joining them as allies in their work—through funding, training, and technical assistance—ensuring their knowledge and leadership drive the protection of coral reefs.

Let’s zero in on the patrolling efforts happening in the Western Caribbean.

Why Patrolling Matters

Illegal fishing and unregulated resource use can devastate coral reef ecosystems, disrupting the delicate balance that keeps marine life thriving. Protecting coral reefs preserves biodiversity and supports the coastal communities that rely on them for food security, income, and cultural heritage.  

Effective patrolling creates a critical frontline defense against these threats. By monitoring marine protected areas (MPAs), we help ensure that reefs remain vibrant and that fish populations are given the chance to recover and grow. These efforts directly benefit artisanal fishers by increasing fish biomass, which sustains their livelihoods and helps reefs bounce back from the impacts of overfishing…and climate change.

How Patrolling Protects

CORAL has been on the frontlines of community-led conservation, supporting the creation and management of 8,471 km² of MPAs in the Western Caribbean. Together with our partners, we have established 11 MPAs and strengthened the management of five more. A cornerstone of this success has been our commitment to patrolling, which we approach through collaboration and long-term support.  

In the Western Caribbean, CORAL has partnered with four marine protected area co-managers and one community committee in Cozumel—Roatán Marine Park (RMP), Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) Utila, PROLANSATE, and Cozumel Comité de Vigilancia Comunitaria —to enable effective patrols. This includes providing ongoing funding to support ranger salaries, boat fuel, and maintenance, ensuring that patrol boats can operate reliably and consistently. Rangers trained and supported by CORAL use the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART), a helpful technology that streamlines real-time monitoring.

These patrols do more than just protect coral reefs. They also record actionable data on illegal fishing, which helps partners and local authorities respond effectively. The monitoring systems lay the groundwork for a comprehensive online data visualization dashboard, giving communities the tools they need to make informed decisions about fish stocks and marine management.

Through these efforts, we’re working toward a larger vision of marine protection. For example, we’re in the early stages of establishing a no-take zone in Roatán, following the discovery of two critical fish spawning sites. Additionally, we’re helping to create the first marine protection biological corridor to connect MPAs along the Bay Islands and Honduras’ North Coast. This initiative is designed to ensure coral reefs and fish populations thrive, while also protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Patrolling Into the Future

At CORAL, we know that protecting coral reefs is a shared responsibility. With your help, we can continue supporting local partners for the long term and expand our efforts into other communities, funding the critical patrols and monitoring efforts that keep reefs—and the people who depend on them—resilient.

Your donation fuels more than just boats. It fuels hope for a future where coral reefs flourish and coastal communities thrive. Join us in protecting these life-giving ecosystems and the people who rely on them. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

The post Protecting Coral Reefs Through Community-Led Patrolling 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.

View the Report Card Here >

Our data-driven approach is supporting these communities in building lasting resilience for coral reefs and strengthening our understanding of how to manage these ecosystems effectively in the face of climate change.

Tracking Health for Informed Action

Using data collected from almost 300 monitoring sites spanning 1,000 kilometers and four countries, the HRI Report Card serves as a crucial health assessment for reefs in the MAR region. Data is collected using the Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) reef monitoring methodology and assesses coral health based on four key indicators: live coral cover, fleshy macroalgal cover, herbivorous fish biomass, and commercially important fish biomass.

Instead of simply reviewing the data, CORAL uses the findings to inform and adjust our strategies in ways that support and build the capacity of coastal communities. These data help us measure what’s working and what needs further action, allowing us to take targeted steps that enhance reef resilience and community benefits.

Coral Health and Fish Populations on the Rise

The 2024 HRI report highlights improvements in herbivorous fish populations, like parrotfish and surgeonfish, in the Bay Islands of Honduras (except Guanaja), where these crucial species thrive in MPAs protected from overfishing. However, herbivore biomass dipped in coastal Honduras, where they are not yet fully safeguarded. CORAL is collaborating with the Fisheries Directorate and local partners to push for a nationwide legal decree to protect herbivorous fish across all of Honduras. By supporting community-led initiatives, sustainable fishing practices, and improved water quality, we aim to create a resilient reef ecosystem for future report cards.

This connection between community-driven fisheries management and ecological resilience is at the core of CORAL’s approach.

See Also: Herbivorous Fish Article >

Using Data to Drive Practical Solutions

CORAL uses the findings from the HRI Report Card to validate our current strategies and refine and adapt our methods alongside our community partners. 

With each report, we can track shifts in reef health, fish populations, and water quality, giving local leaders and fishers a clearer picture of the outcomes of their efforts. This insight allows us to support communities in real time, helping them implement targeted solutions proven to enhance reef health, such as expanded MPA networks and refined water treatment projects under our Clean Water for Reefs initiative.

For example, in 2024, Coxen Hole saw a dramatic increase in wastewater treatment investment and will continue to see more in 2025. This is desperately needed after seeing the impacts of untreated/poorly treated wastewater on the area’s beloved reef, Cordelia Banks, which was unable to recover from a devastating bleaching event. The severe mortality of this magnificent reef occurred just after the data collection period ended for this report card.

Support our Coxen Hole clean water initiative here >

The recent data underscore the impact of collaborative action and reinforce the importance of sustained community engagement and data transparency. As our understanding of these ecosystems grows, we can offer increasingly precise and effective tools to local organizations, amplifying their capacity to maintain resilient reef ecosystems.

Shaping a Resilient Future Together

The HRI Report Card highlights the strength of collaborative conservation and informed action. By pairing community-driven MPA management with conservation science, we are creating a future where reefs and coastal communities can thrive together. The road to reef resilience is challenging, but each bit of data shows us the way forward, with communities and organizations like CORAL united in purpose and action. 

With our shared dedication and a commitment to adaptive, community-led strategies, the MAR is on a promising path towards sustained reef health, biodiversity, and resilience. This year’s report encourages us all to continue strengthening these partnerships, knowing that together, we can create a future where coral reefs and the communities that depend on them can thrive side by side.

The post Reef Health Showing Slight Increase in Mesoamerican Reef Region 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.

Together, we’re launching a powerful partnership to protect our oceans, spread awareness, and inspire action. Jean-Michel Cousteau will also be joining us as our keynote speaker at the upcoming CORAL Forever Gala!

But before we get to the gala, let’s take a moment to get to know the organization and the man behind it all—because trust us, this is a partnership worth celebrating

Meet Jean-Michel Cousteau

Carrying the Legacy of Ocean Exploration

The Cousteau name is iconic when it comes to ocean exploration. Jean-Michel Cousteau is the son of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, a man who quite literally changed the way we view and understand the ocean. Jacques Cousteau was a pioneer in marine conservation, and his films, books, and inventions (hello, scuba diving!) brought the mysteries of the deep sea into living rooms around the world.

Jean-Michel picked up right where his father left off, but with his own unique vision and passion. For decades, he has traveled the world as an explorer, environmentalist, and filmmaker, sharing the ocean’s wonders and advocating for its protection. From producing award-winning documentaries to speaking at global summits, Jean-Michel is one of the most passionate voices in ocean conservation today.

Ocean Futures Society – A Force for Global Ocean Conservation

Founded in 1999, Ocean Futures Society is Jean-Michel Cousteau’s way of carrying forward his father’s legacy while creating his own lasting impact. OFS is all about one key message: Protect the ocean, and you protect yourself.

This message drives their mission of educating people of all ages about the critical importance of ocean conservation. Through films, public speaking, expeditions, and partnerships (like this one! ), OFS works tirelessly to remind us that our oceans aren’t just beautiful—they’re essential to life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the health of our oceans affects us all.

Their work includes marine conservation initiatives around the globe, such as protecting coral reefs, advocating for marine sanctuaries, and promoting sustainable ocean policies. OFS believes in empowering communities to take an active role in ocean protection, showing that every one of us can make a difference

Why This Matters

At the heart of this collaboration is the idea that when we work together, we can create real, lasting change. Both our organization and Ocean Futures Society believe in the power of community, whether it’s local fishermen in Roatan managing their reef resources or global leaders rallying to protect the seas. 

With OFS by our side, we’re excited to elevate our impact, share inspiring stories, and amplify the urgent call to protect coral reefs and the biodiversity they support. This is more than a partnership—it’s a shared mission to ensure future generations inherit a thriving, healthy marine environment.

See it All at the CORAL Forever Gala!

We can’t wait to celebrate this amazing partnership at our 30th Anniversary Gala, where Jean-Michel Cousteau himself will be attending as our keynote speaker!. 

You’ll have the chance to hear directly from him and learn more about the partnership. It’s going to be an unforgettable night filled with inspiring stories, important conversations, and, of course, a whole lot of fun!

Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now and be a part of this exciting moment in ocean conservation history! Together, we can ensure our oceans stay vibrant for generations to come.

The post Celebrating Our Partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.

Say hello to Fresh Clean Threads, a clothing brand that understands the significance of sustainability and actively incorporates environmentally responsible practices into its business model. Dedicated to providing comfortable and affordable basics, Fresh Clean Threads has embarked on a journey towards becoming fully green within the next five years.

To achieve this goal, they’re is implementing various measures. They’re reducing water usage in fabric dyeing, incorporating recycled polyester into their clothing production, eliminating single-use plastics, and adopting eco-friendly practices in their factories. These initiatives reflect their commitment to minimizing the negative impact on the world’s oceans, which face grave challenges from pollution, overfishing, climate change, consumerism, and unsustainable practices within the clothing and retail industry.

CORAL takes great pride in partnering with Fresh Clean Threads as a sustainability ally. We recognize and appreciate their dedication to ocean conservation, and we’re honored to be a recipient of their support as they continue on this transformative journey.

Meet the Founders

Matthew Parvis, the Founder and Executive Director of Fresh Clean Threads, is a San Diego resident who considers the beach his backyard. When he and his wife, Melissa, established the business, they ensured environmental conservation became an integral part of their guiding principles.

We have big aspirations to become a truly sustainable brand for the future, and we are spending a lot of time and resources to do this as quickly as we possibly can. But to do that we also have to be here as a business, so we call that being sustainably sustainable.

When asked about how Parvis has incorporated sustainability into the brand

The Fresh Clean Seas collection aligns with their sustainability initiative aimed at minimizing its impact on the ocean. The two primary focuses are reducing the usage of single-use plastics and supporting ocean conservation efforts. The collection takes an additional step by sourcing recycled polyester as its fabric.

Regarding this deliberate product decision, Matthew Parvis acknowledges, “What we are truly striving for at Fresh Clean Threads is to introduce innovative technologies that enable us to ensure that this polyester has a significantly reduced environmental impact.”

Reducing Single-Use Plastic

Fresh Clean Threads is deeply committed to reducing its plastic consumption, particularly in packaging and shipping materials. As part of their sustainability journey, the company has made significant changes, such as replacing traditional poly-mailers with compostable mailers made from cornstarch. These innovative mailers break down within months, in stark contrast to the hundreds of years conventional plastic takes to degrade.

According to Matthew Parvis, this transition represents the “second step” in their pursuit of becoming fully green. The first step involves making meaningful contributions to ocean conservation efforts, exemplified by their support for organizations like CORAL. The third step will ensure sustainable practices throughout the fabric production process by carefully selecting factories that share their values, all of which forms a crucial part of their responsible approach.

Eliminating polyester from their brand is the fourth step.

In addition to their packaging changes, Fresh Clean Threads has eliminated plastic tape, opting instead for fully recyclable water-activated paper tape. Plastic packaging for their products has been replaced with compostable bags made from plant-based materials. Despite recognizing that ethical considerations may not always be the primary factor in purchasing decisions, the company considers these choices as fundamental pillars of their brand. Matthew Parvis expresses a strong desire for greater awareness of environmental issues, including the detrimental impact of companies, to take center stage.

Supporting Ocean Conservation

In the past, the company has partnered with a handful of non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, and CORAL is grateful to now be a part of the Fresh Clean Threads community.

Beyond donating a portion of its profits to CORAL and being our match donor for our springtime campaign, our partners have dedicated their Fresh Clean Seas collection to our mission. This decision heightens the awareness and urgency for coral conservation and best practices to Fresh Clean Threads’ consumer base. In this way, Fresh Clean Threads is a part of the solution instead of part of the problem. 

Our Partnership

Fresh Clean Threads has recognized the importance of sustainability and is taking concrete steps to reduce its impact on the environment. The Fresh Clean Seas initiative, focused on reducing single-use plastic and supporting ocean conservation efforts, is an excellent example of how businesses can be environmentally responsible while still being profitable.

The driving ideology behind the company is “clothes that don’t wear on the planet.” This statement goes beyond the physical article of clothing, which has the potential of influencing its consumers for the greater good. Awareness provides shoppers the opportunity to make environmentally sustainable decisions all while educating them about the need for coral reef conservation.

CORAL is proud to align itself with Fresh Clean Threads, and we’re enthusiastic to see this partnership grow. Join us on our journey to make the ocean a healthier place for those that live above and below its surface.

The post Inside our Alliance: Fresh Clean Threads appeared first on Coral Reef Alliance.