Scientific Research for Actionable Insights
Our team transforms groundbreaking research into actionable solutions, equipping communities and conservationists worldwide to protect coral reefs and enhance their ability to adapt to climate change.
We believe strong science, key alliances, and community engagement are essential to saving and supporting reefs.
Driving Solutions Through Science
Assess Coral Adaptive Capacity
Coral reefs are threatened by pollution, overfishing, and climate change. We launched cutting-edge research to understand which conservation strategies best help corals adapt to the effects of climate change. Our scientific research reveals that protecting large, diverse , and connected reef networks significantly increases their ability to adapt to warming waters. Read more about coral adaptation here.
Translate Science Into Tools
Current management approaches often lack resources to incorporate genetic data. CORAL is pioneering solutions by working to develop a globally accessible tool to estimate coral reef genetic diversity using remote sensing. This tool will empower practitioners worldwide to implement climate-smart reef management strategies.
Influence Conservation Policy
We collaborate with global partners to integrate science into conservation policy. From contributing to a framework to enhance the Mesoamerican Reef’s resilience against climate impacts, to supporting marine spatial planning in the Coral Triangle, we ensure that our research shapes impactful solutions on a global scale.
Where We Work
From Local Sites to Global Influence
Our global conservation science efforts span three oceans and numerous reef ecosystems.
A word from our conservation science director
“Coral reefs have the remarkable ability to adapt, but only if we take immediate action to protect their genetic diversity and connectivity AND substantially reduce climate emissions. Our work is about creating the tools and partnerships that support local managers and coral reefs in adapting to climate change”
– Dr. Helen Fox
Join Us in Saving Coral Reefs
Your support fuels groundbreaking science that equips communities and practitioners with the tools they need to protect coral reefs. Together, we can ensure these vital ecosystems—and the life they sustain—thrive for generations.
Scientific Articles
Evaluating the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease in the Bay Islands, Honduras
Current ecological theory predicts that random networks with dispersal shortcuts connecting distant sites can promote persistence when there is no capacity for evolution. This paper demonstrates that incorporating evolution and environmental heterogeneity fundamentally alters theoretical predictions regarding persistence in ecological networks.
Coral conservation in a warming world must harness evolutionary adaptation
To facilitate evolutionary adaptation to climate change, we must protect networks of coral reefs that span a range of environmental conditions — not just apparent ‘refugia’.… Continue Reading →
Exploring relationships between gender and collective action in artisanal fisher associations of Central Chile
Current ecological theory predicts that random networks with dispersal shortcuts connecting distant sites can promote persistence when there is no capacity for evolution. This paper demonstrates that incorporating evolution and environmental heterogeneity fundamentally alters theoretical predictions regarding persistence in ecological networks.
[Abstract]Participation and patrols promote sustainable fisheries in the Mesoamerican Reef Region.
Here we present a case study of Los Micos Lagoon, a coastal lagoon responsible for seeding fish biomass in sites with some of the highest live coral cover in the Mesoamerican Region, the Tela Bay (Honduras) reefs.… Continue Reading →
[Abstract] Can the Allen Coral Atlas indicate adaptive capacity of coral reefs?
We explore the extent to which habitat complexity, as detected by the Atlas, can inform adaptive capacity. Beta-diversity is a common index used to assess environmental heterogeneity within natural systems, indicating the change in species/habitat composition across a landscape.… Continue Reading →
Science Videos
Our scientific work is built around collaborations. It unifies academics, nonprofits, corporate partners, and conservationists, and it bridges the gap between science and communities. Our work at the local level involves communities in science that typically occurs behind closed doors—our coral reefs are better off when we are all strengthened with more information.
Science Stories
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 →
9 Game-Changing Impacts of Clean Water for Coral Reefs
Flush and forget? Not so fast. Wastewater is a bigger deal than you might think. Around the world, sewage pollutes oceans, harms coral reefs, and threatens our health. But it doesn’t have to. By connecting homes, businesses, and tourist facilities to community-supported wastewater treatment plants, we can significantly reduce the amount of harmful pollutants discharged… Continue Reading →
Clean Water for Reefs – How Your Donation Makes A Difference
Why is clean water integral to our mission? To save coral reefs, we must address two major threats: poor water quality from land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing practices. By tackling these issues and implementing climate-smart planning, we can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. Our research shows that this is not only possible but… Continue Reading →
Major Water Quality Issues Plaguing Coral Reefs Today
Can you imagine being constantly forced to drink, swim, and bathe in dirty, polluted water? It’s a harsh reality for many humans, yet ironically, our actions subject coral reefs to the same grim conditions. Water quality threats are a major culprit in coral decline. Among the various contaminants, untreated wastewater or sewage emerges as a… Continue Reading →
Why Clean Water is Vital for the Future of Our Oceans
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the health of our oceans remains a critical concern. Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet’s surface and are integral to life on Earth. However, the future of these vast, life-sustaining waters are increasingly threatened. Ensuring our oceans are clean is not just an environmental issue… Continue Reading →
Coral Restoration Alone Likely Won’t Be Enough to Save Coral Reefs. That’s Why We Focus on Reducing Marine Threats
Why don’t we focus on coral restoration? It’s a question we, at CORAL, have been asked time and time again. We address overfishing, minimize water pollution, support local communities, and lead cutting-edge research on coral adaptation to climate change…but we don’t generally work on coral restoration projects. Our decision comes down to the fact that… Continue Reading →
What is Coral Restoration, and Can it Save Coral Reefs?
Can coral restoration save coral reefs? That’s a question we at CORAL have been asked time and time again. It’s a good question—but it’s also a complex one. The answer may not be what you think. The Risks with Growing and Planting Corals In many scientific communities, “coral restoration” refers to the act of growing… Continue Reading →
What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA)?
In the conservation and nonprofit sector, we throw around a lot of acronyms. To our team, none are more important than “MPA” – a marine protected area. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated areas of the ocean that are set aside for conservation and management purposes. These areas are intended to preserve and protect the marine… Continue Reading →
What is Coral Bleaching and Why Should You Care?
So, picture this: you’ve just arrived at your dream tropical destination, ready to explore the crystal-clear waters and the vibrant underwater world. As you strap on your snorkeling gear and dive into the ocean, you’re immediately transported into a magical world of colors and shapes. The water is warm, the sun is shining, and the… Continue Reading →
Thank You for Supporting CORAL. Here’s How Your Gift Will Make an Impact in 2023
It’s 2023 and for us, that means a new year with new opportunities to continue protecting the world’s coral reefs. We are so grateful for each and every donor who continuously believes in our mission and stands up for the health of our ocean’s most vital ecosystems. Your generous gift will fund our regional programs… Continue Reading →