Media advisory: Florida Keys to undergo unprecedented coral reef restoration effort

Coral Restoration Foundation divers transplant nursery-grown staghorn coral to Carysfort Reef in 2018. On Dec. 9, NOAA will announce a major coral reef restoration strategy targeting seven reefs in the Florida Keys.

Coral Restoration Foundation divers transplant nursery-grown staghorn coral to Carysfort Reef in 2018. On Dec. 9, NOAA will announce a major coral reef restoration strategy targeting seven reefs in the Florida Keys. (Image credit: Coral Restoration Foundation)

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NOAA and partners from government, academia and the private sector, are beginning the first major phase of one of the largest strategies ever proposed for coral reef restoration as part of Mission: Iconic Reefs — the most ambitious effort to date in the U.S. to restore nearly 3 million sq. feet (about the size of 52 football fields) of the Florida Reef Tract. Ahead of Earth Day, a panel of experts will detail the coral restoration efforts that will unfold during the next three years.

WHAT

News teleconference on coral reef restoration in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, followed by Q&A.

For credentialed reporters only.

WHEN

Tuesday, April 20, 1:00 p.m. EDT

WHO

  • Sarah Fangman, superintendent, NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

  • Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., President & CEO, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 

  • Scott Winters, Ph.D., CEO, Coral Restoration Foundation™

Additional experts available during Q&A

  • Tom Moore, coral reef restoration team lead, NOAA Fisheries

  • Jennifer Koss, director, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program 

HOW

Dial-in: 1-517-308-9359 (international: 800-369-1986), Passcode: CORALS

Related Resources

Media contact

Jennie Lyons, 202-603-9372

 

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