Restore Coral Reefs

by Michelle Sawyer
The Challenge

Coral reefs are rapidly disappearing in our generation. These glorious ocean reefs host some of the oldest ecosystems on the planet -- some over 200 million years old – yet currently 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs are threatened by local and global pressures, according to the World Resources Institute. Left unchecked, the percent of threatened reefs will increase to more than 90% by 2030 and to nearly all reefs by 2050.

Coral reefs decline at our peril: Caribbean reef sponges provide antiviral drugs and anti-cancer agents; Indian Ocean reefs offer promising new medicines for breast and liver cancers, tumors, and leukemia; and Bahamian coral has been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties. Coral reefs also aid communities by acting as natural buffers (protecting shorelines from waves and erosion), serve as feeding and breeding areas for many types of commercial fish and shellfish, and generate much-needed tourism dollars in areas with no other source of income.

But rapid coastal development, pollution, destructive fishing practices, and unregulated tourism and scuba diving activities are threatening to destroy the world's ocean reefs and fish. Because most ocean reef grows at only half-an-inch a year, once they've been lost, we will never see our coral reefs return to their splendor.

The good news is that scuba diver and non-diver volunteers can help restore and preserve coral reefs and reef fish by creating marine sanctuaries, transplanting reefs, and monitoring data to prevent future coral reef losses. You can experience the magnificent underwater coral gardens of the sea while protecting the reefs at the same time.

How to Make a Difference I Did This!
Close Window
  • Reef Ball Foundation gives certified scuba divers the opportunity to help with transplanting, propagation, coral rescue and reef restoration. The foundation also needs volunteers to help with building and deploying reefballs (manmade concrete habitats for juvenile fish). All of the projects are organized on an individual project basis. The Foundation also has a Reef Ball Coral Team that includes formally trained volunteers that come together for specific projects anywhere in the world.  
  • The Coral Cay Conservation currently organizes coral reef conservation expeditions in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Tobago. You don’t need to be a scuba diver to volunteer; you will be trained by professionals in the arts of diving or trekking, science, and surveying. Expedition lengths begin at two weeks.
  • The Earth Watch Institute offers a 12-day coral reef expedition in the Bahamas. You will snorkel on the coral reefs, document coastal plant community, and document the impact of humans on the reef. The information you gather will help sustainable development and conservation efforts.  
  • Snorkel or scuba dive among the coral reefs near Belize, within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. An Earth Watch Institute research project is involved in surveying, monitoring, and tagging queen conchs in critical coral areas. To take part in the scuba portion of the experience, you must be certified.
  • Reef Relief is a Florida-based organization that seeks volunteers for its efforts to improve and protect coral reef ecosystems.
  • The Reef Doctor, based in the UK, works on coral reef restoration and research in a remote area of southwest Madagascar. Expeditions last four to twelve weeks. Through the Volunteer Research Assistant Programme, participants help the organization’s core team with marine research, marine development, and community outreach. While people with scuba diving skills and a science background are encouraged to volunteer, all enthusiastic individuals are welcome to apply. The staff to volunteer ratio is 1:1.

Even before you embark on your volunteer vacation, you can make all your dives count and help to protect our coral reefs around the world if you are a diver and want to monitor coral reefs and contribute data for Project AWARE CoralWatch. In addition, more information on coral reef conservation is available from the Coral Reef Alliance and the Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Spread the Word
Sponsor