Our Commitment to Coral Restoration 

At United Way of Collier and the Keys, we are proud to support organizations dedicated to restoring and preserving the vibrant reefs that define our beautiful region. Our way of life is intertwined with the marine environment, and we are committed to continuing that legacy within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Below, you’ll find detailed information about the reef restoration organizations we’ve funded, the reefs they’re working on, and UWCK’s commitments to these critical initiatives. 

Mission: Iconic Reefs

Mission: Iconic Reefs is a years-long, NOAA-led effort to restore nearly three million square feet of coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Focused on seven key sites, the project uses innovative techniques to rebuild coral, enhance biodiversity, and support a sustainable marine ecosystem.

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UWCK-UAE Partnership

In 2020, United Way of Collier and the Keys announced a $3.5 million gift from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The gift funds cutting-edge and innovative projects in support of reef restoration and education, marking the first significant funding towards Mission: Iconic Reefs.

Partnership Timeline

Global Spotlight

United Way's Community Resiliency pillar addresses urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. That includes restoring coral reefs, which is featured on United Way's website.

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UWCK's Objectives in Funding this Work

Overview

UWCK invests in both internal programs and high performing non-profit agencies that provide services that align with our strategic priorities. In regard to the Reef Revitalization initiative, these non-profit agencies are local reef restoration practitioners who share our goals of restoring reefs for the future of our community.

RFP Process

The ‘Reef Revitalization’ Request for Proposals (RFP) was a competitive process prioritizing collaboration, outreach, education, and support for Monroe County’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population.

1:1 Match

All funded projects were required to secure a 1:1 match in funding from private, non-governmental sources. Applicants could only request an amount they could directly match with these funds. Contributions from multiple partners could be combined to meet the requirement.

Funded Practitioners and Projects

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Reef Renewal, USA

Reef Renewal, USA

Reef Location: Sombrero Reef and Looe Key
Funding Amount: $385,543
Project Description: Reef Renewal USA (RRUSA) is leading a comprehensive coral restoration initiative focused on Looe and Sombrero Reefs, critical sites in the Middle and Lower Keys. This project aims to implement innovative techniques to scale up coral restoration, addressing the severe decline in coral populations caused by disease and bleaching events.

In light of the extreme heat stress event of summer 2023 and its significant impact on coral populations, the scope of this project has been adjusted to ensure long-term resilience and success. The unprecedented ocean temperatures of 2023, influenced by Florida Bay’s warm, hyper-saline waters, demonstrated the vulnerability of certain coral species to extreme heat. Tragically, nearly all colonies of Acropora palmata (elkhorn coral) and Acropora cervicornis (staghorn coral) south of Little Conch Reef were lost. This data has led to a shift in strategy: future restoration efforts at Sombrero Reef and Looe Key Reef will prioritize heat-tolerant species such as Orbicella faveolata (star coral), Orbicella annularis, Orbicella franksi, Montastrea cavernosa (great star coral), and Pseudodiploria clivosa (brain coral). These species displayed remarkable resilience during the heat stress event, showing high thermal tolerance and long-term reef-building potential.

Key efforts include expanding outplant capacity at the Marathon nursery, propagating genetically diverse and heat-tolerant coral species, and establishing vertical nursery structures (VERNS) to enhance restoration efficiency. Community engagement also remains central to the project. RRUSA is collaborating with local partners like Aquarium Encounters to create educational displays and conduct monthly coral fragging workshops, engaging residents in hands-on coral propagation. Four dive professionals will also be trained as restoration instructors to lead recreational dive experiences focused on coral restoration.

Internship opportunities include a year-round position at Aquarium Encounters and Dynasty Marine, as well as short-term roles for dive professionals to develop expertise in restoration. These internships provide participants with hands-on skills in coral cultivation and planting, supporting career development in marine conservation.

This science-driven approach ensures that restoration efforts are adapted to the realities of a warming ocean. By focusing on resilient coral species, we aim to build the reefs of tomorrow, advancing ecological recovery, increasing tourism-related economic benefits, and inspiring local communities to safeguard Florida’s invaluable marine resources.

Coral Restoration Foundation

Coral Restoration Foundation

Reef Location: Carysfort Reef
Funding Amount: $1,945,926
Project Description: CRF is committed to integrating Mission: Iconic Reefs (M:IR) into all activities, focusing on impactful restoration, education, and community engagement. Their efforts include internships, volunteer opportunities, Coralpalooza events, and online field schools, along with STEM-based activity packs and public Exploration Centers. Each year, CRF provides over 7,000 outreach hours to inspire future marine conservationists.

CRF’s efforts benefit the community by increasing employment, diversifying jobs, and providing educational opportunities. Long-term, CRF aims to protect infrastructure, stabilize incomes, and promote environmental stewardship.

The project at Carysfort Reef involves outplanting species in five habitat zones, with monitoring and adaptive management to meet M:IR goals. The project will also support local dive shops through outreach and volunteer opportunities.

In response to the 2023 bleaching event, CRF will pivot mid-Year 3 to prioritize coral propagation to ensure resilience and genetic diversity, exceeding initial coral propagation targets.

CRF remains dedicated to restoring the reefs and ensuring the success of M:IR, while fostering education and a sustainable future for the Florida Keys.

Reefs In Focus

Below are the reefs benefiting from these projects.  

 

 

 

 

 

Total Investment in Coral Restoration

To date, UWCK has invested $2.3M in coral restoration across the Keys, with funded work spanning across the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Looking to the future, UWCK will continue to support innovative restoration projects, particularly those focused on increasing much needed capacity of restoration efforts through Mission: Iconic Reefs. UWCK’s goal remains to create thriving ecosystems that support marine life, local economies, and future generations.