Coral Restoration Foundation™

#CoralCloseup on Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) Elkhorn coral is a key reef-building species in the Caribbean, known for forming dense “thickets” in shallow waters. These thickets provide crucial habitat for many reef animals, particularly fish, supporting biodiversity and fostering a healthy reef ecosystem. Protecting this vital coral is essential for the long-term resilience of our reefs and the species that depend on them. Photos: Granger Eltringham for Coral Restoration Foundation™ #CoralRestoration #MarineConservation #AcroporaPalmata #ReefHabitat

If you've been thinking about applying to our internship program, now is the time! ⏰ Internship Duration: January 6th – May 4th, 2025. Join us for a transformative experience in marine conservation. Full-time Role: Dive into coral restoration and nonprofit management with this comprehensive internship. Your Role: Engage in community outreach, daily operations, and hands-on fieldwork. Mentorship: Start with a personal project with guidance from expert mentors. Leadership Opportunity: Advance to Lead Intern, managing projects and mentoring new team members. Program Intern: Help drive conservation projects that make a lasting impact. Stipend: We offer a small educational stipend to assist with living expenses. Don’t wait—apply today! https://lnkd.in/dBCm6vK #MarineConservation #CareerInConservation #Nonprofit #EnvironmentalScience #SustainableDevelopment #EcoCareers #ConservationLeadership #CoralReefRestoration #MarineBiology

Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians as they face the imminent impact of #HurricaneMilton. Here in the Keys we are preparing for tropical storm force winds and some flooding, but we do not expect anything like the potentially devastating winds and catastrophic damage that is forecast for the central west coast. We are thinking of our many friends, colleagues, families, and partner organizations that are in the path of this historic hurricane. Remembering previous storms, we know that preparation is crucial, and we stand united in support of the resilience of our communities. Stay safe, Florida—together, we are #FloridaStrong. 💙 Photo: NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

🔧 Introducing Toolsdays with Chandler! In each episode, we’ll be focusing on a special tool that helps us accomplish our coral restoration work! This week, we’re shining a light on one of the most fundamental tools in coral restoration: the hammer. By using this tool, we clear away debris and create secure anchor points on the reef, providing a stable foundation for our coral plugs. This step is essential in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our coral outplants in ever-changing ocean conditions. Sometimes, it's the simplest tools that make the biggest impact. Join us next week as we continue our exploration of the tools behind our restoration work! Video: Granger Eltringham & Karley Feather for Coral Restoration Foundation™ Video Production: Chelsea Co for Coral Restoration Foundation™ #CoralRestoration #MarineConservation #RestorationTools #SustainableOceans

Dive into #MeetTheTeamMonday! Alice Grainger SENIOR DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT From the Red Sea to Coral Reefs-
Alice's passion for coral reefs began at an early age. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, she was snorkeling in the Red Sea before she could walk! Her love for marine ecosystems continued to grow, resulting in escapes from academia to work towards SCUBA diving instructor qualifications while she earned an MA in International Relations from St Andrews University. Alice’s career has taken her around the world, including stints in Singapore and Bali, where she spent four years as Senior Editor of Scuba Diver Australasia and Asian Diver, two of the world’s leading dive magazines. Diving into Conservation with CRF™-
Alice's journey didn’t stop there. She’s managed programs with USAID’s Educational Reform in Egypt and ZERI's biomimicry project in Switzerland. As a scriptwriter and narrator for natural history documentaries in Egypt and a Dive Officer for ReefDoctor in Madagascar, Alice has always kept conservation at the heart of her work. She even founded NGOpolis, the world’s first online grassroots collaboration platform for conservation and sustainable development. Today, she brings this wealth of experience and passion to Coral Restoration Foundation™, driving our strategic engagement efforts forward. From Marine Life to Garden Life-
When Alice isn’t working to save coral reefs, she loves spending time with her dog Leo, trying new vegan recipes (her tofu feta is legendary!), and writing folk songs. She also enjoys playing guitar, gardening, and diving into her love for history, art, and sci-fi. Photos: Coral Restoration Foundation™ and Aaron Wong

#CoralCloseup on Colpophyllia natans! With its large, domed colonies that can grow up to 2 meters in diameter, this coral thrives on reef slopes and tops at depths of up to 50 meters. What sets C. natans apart is its distinctive network of winding ridges and valleys, resembling the folds of a mammal’s brain. These ridges, typically in shades of brown with a single groove, and valleys, which can be tan, green, or white, are key to its identification. Its robust structure and resilience enable it to withstand harsh conditions, including algal blooms and extreme weather events like hurricanes. Understanding and protecting species like Colpophyllia natans is vital for preserving the biodiversity and health of our marine ecosystems. Photos: Jackson Harris for Coral Restoration Foundation™ #MarineBiology #CoralConservation #OceanEcosystems #ReefRestoration

We’re thrilled to share that we have been busy propagating coral, with the goal of outplanting 5,000 more corals by year-end! We’re now preparing for the outplanting phase, which will begin as soon as we receive approval from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). Our outplants will include 9 different coral species, including Acropora cervicornis and 8 non-acroporid species. #CoralRestoration #OceanConservation #MarineBiodiversity #SustainableOceans

Did you know that moon jellies and corals belong to the same phylum, Cnidaria? This diverse group of marine organisms also includes sea anemones and hydroids, all sharing unique characteristics that play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
 Both moon jellies and corals exhibit a fascinating life cycle involving different forms. Moon jellies alternate between a free-swimming medusa phase and an attached polyp phase, while corals begin as free-swimming larvae before settling into reef-building polyps. 

 Some of their shared features include: -Equipped with nematocysts, they use these specialized cells for defense and prey capture. -Their simple yet effective body structure is designed for optimal survival in marine environments. -The ability to alternate between life forms allows them to thrive in various oceanic conditions. #MarineBiology #Cnidarians #OceanDiversity #MoonJelly #CoralReef

Have you applied for the CRF™ Internship yet? ⏳ Join us from January 6th to May 4th, 2025, and immerse yourself in a 4-month Internship focused on marine conservation. Gain comprehensive experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on coral reef restoration in this volunteer position! Key Responsibilities: Engage in community programs, assist with daily operations, and participate in fieldwork. Mentorship: Start with a personal project, guided by seasoned professionals. Leadership: Advance to Lead Intern, overseeing projects and mentoring new interns. Program Intern: Lead key conservation initiatives and make a lasting impact. Financial Support: Receive a small educational stipend to help with living costs. Apply today and turn your passion into action: https://lnkd.in/dBCm6vK #MarineConservation #CareerInConservation #Nonprofit #EnvironmentalScience #SustainableDevelopment #EcoCareers #ConservationLeadership #CoralReefRestoration #MarineBiology

Get ready for #MeetTheTeamMonday! AmMathee Stott
 TEMPORARY KEY WEST REEF RESTORATION ASSOCIATE From Kelp Beds to Coral Reefs-
 AmMathee’s passion for the ocean began on the Northern coast of California, surrounded by rocky reefs and kelp beds. Her curiosity deepened when she visited the coral reefs in Hawaii. After graduating from California Polytechnic: Humboldt in 2022 with a Bachelors in Marine Biology and a Minor in Scientific Diving, she honed her skills as a scientific diver in the cold waters of the Pacific. AmMathee gained valuable experience working on oyster farms and projects focused on purple urchin barrens, kelp beds, and Marine Protected Areas. Restoring Reefs with CRF™- Despite her work in Northern California, AmMathee’s heart was always drawn to coral reef ecosystems. She sought out opportunities in Hawaii, Mexico, The Bahamas, and Florida, volunteering with organizations like CRF™, Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration, and The Island School to further refine her skills in coral restoration. Today, she is thrilled to be a part of the Coral Restoration Foundation™ team, where she brings her passion and dedication to restoring coral reefs. From Ocean Waves to Snowy Peaks- AmMathee’s love for the ocean is undeniable, but she also finds peace in the snowy mountains. A snowboarder for over 15 years, she loves the tranquility of snow-covered slopes and always makes time to hit the mountains during the winter season. Her appreciation for nature extends from the depths of the ocean to the peaks of snowy mountains, where she finds peace and rejuvenation diving amongst the marine life or shredding through pristine snow. Photos: Alex Neufeld and Chelsea Co for Coral Restoration Foundation™ #CoralRestoration #MarineConservation #Diving #MarineBiology