Millions of people and species of wildlife depend on coral reefs. While climate change threatens their future, science shows that corals can adapt and survive if we keep them healthy.
Cutting-edge Science. Community Engagement.
For nearly 30 years, we have combined cutting-edge science and community engagement to reduce direct threats to reefs and to promote scalable and effective solutions for their protection.
Impact Globally, Regionally, & Locally
We employ a variety of conservation approaches and engage diverse communities around the world to save coral reefs.
It Can Happen
Coral reefs can adapt to climate change. If together we take the right actions, they can evolve and thrive for generations to come.
25%
of all marine life depends
on coral reefs
1B
people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and coastal protection
$375B
in services comes from coral reefs
each year
Featured Profile
Meet Heather Starck
Get to know CORAL’s Executive Director and learn why she is determined to save the world’s coral reefs.
Protecting Coral Reefs Through Community-Led Patrolling
In coastal communities around the world, local leaders are on the front lines of protecting coral reefs. Drawing from their deep knowledge of the area, these communities play a crucial role in watching over our marine ecosystems. By prioritizing effective marine protections and community-led management, we’re helping local leaders create lasting impacts that support coral… Continue Reading →
Assessing Coral Reefs through Adaptation Science
Coral reefs are powerful yet vulnerable ecosystems, rich in biodiversity but increasingly at risk in a changing world. Here at the Coral Reef Alliance, our team advances science to assess the adaptive capacity of corals, protect diverse reef networks, and restore marine ecosystems by influencing management and policy decisions. Our research shows coral reefs can… Continue Reading →
Reef Health Showing Slight Increase in Mesoamerican Reef Region
In the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), one of the world’s most diverse and vital reef systems, dedicated local communities, fishers, government agencies, scientists, and nonprofits are achieving measurable improvements in reef health. Although challenges remain, the recent 2024 Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI) Report Card shows a slight yet encouraging increase in reef health across the region… Continue Reading →
Protecting the Cayman Crown – A Vital Step for Coral Reef Conservation and Local Livelihoods
Nestled within the Gulf of Honduras, the Cayman Crown reef is a unique and critical component of the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) system. Recently designated as a protected area, Cayman Crown boasts some of the highest coral cover within the MAR region, featuring live coral cover at an impressive 60% (Giro, 2019). This extraordinary reef serves… Continue Reading →
Restoring Coral Reefs Through Clean Water and Sustainable Fisheries
For over 30 years, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) has been at the forefront of coral reef conservation. What began as a small group of SCUBA divers passionate about protecting these ecosystems has grown into a global alliance, dedicated to saving coral reefs through innovative partnerships, global conservation science, and community-driven action. Our mission centers… Continue Reading →
Celebrating Our Partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society
We are beyond excited to announce that we’ve teamed up with the legendary Ocean Futures Society (OFS), founded by the one and only Jean-Michel Cousteau! 🌊 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… Continue Reading →
A Call for Sustainable Practices in Diving Community
Coral reefs are under constant threat from human impacts, and sometimes destruction comes from the people who spend the most time underwater enjoying these beautiful ecosystems up close. For many years, the CORAL team has worked to more deeply understand the tourism impacts from scuba diving and snorkeling so we can use our learnings to inform… Continue Reading →
Reflections and Resilience – A Year After the Lahaina Wildfires
As we mark one year since the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina, Maui, I want to share a personal reflection on the impact of this tragedy and our ongoing journey of recovery. My name is Makayla Rickard, and as the Maui Nui Program Manager at the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), both my work and… Continue Reading →
Meet CORAL’s New Director of Finance and Operations
Say hello to our adventurous addition to the leadership team! When she isn’t exploring in her overland Jeep, Kristy Ives is working tirelessly to protect the beautiful planet she loves to explore. With over 25 years of experience in non-profit finance management, Kristy brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to CORAL. Let’s dive into… Continue Reading →
Where We Work – The Inside Scoop on Our Reef Conservation Sites
How do we decide where to focus our efforts in saving coral reefs? It’s a question we get asked a lot, and the answer is both strategic and deeply rooted in our mission. So let’s get into it! We consider three main factors when choosing where to work – climate adaptation needs, local leadership and… Continue Reading →