We are a leader in coral reef conservation science.
Our proactive research has shown how coral reefs can successfully adapt to the effects of climate change, if humans create the conditions that help reefs evolve naturally.
We believe that strong science, key alliances, and community engagement are essential to saving and supporting reefs.
Our current scientific work includes:
Spearheading new research into coral adaptation
We are launching, supporting, and interpreting scientific research to better understand how coral reefs adapt to climate change and the conditions that help encourage that evolutionary process.
Groundtruthing datasets
We are galvanizing a global team of scientists and conservationists to “ground truth” coral reef data that is detected by satellites through the Allen Coral Atlas partnership.
Assessing adaptation potential
We are leveraging the groundbreaking Allen Coral Atlas, plus other available datasets, to identify networks of reefs that have a higher potential of adapting to climate change so they can be prioritized in conservation efforts.
Engaging with partners
We are working with a network of experts and thought leaders in coral reef conservation to integrate the results of our scientific research into conservation interventions and policies.
Regional field work
We are incorporating adaptation science into regional conservation efforts in the Hawaiian Islands and Mesoamerican region, and building local datasets about coral reef health and water quality to inform “on the ground” conservation efforts.


Featured Science Program
Coral Bleaching Program
We’re working with the Allen Coral Atlas to unite a global network of scientists who can get into the water and confirm coral bleaching data that satellites are detecting from space.
Read our latest scientific articles.
Whitepaper: Forecasting Climate Sanctuaries for Securing the Future of Coral Reefs
We highlight the environmental and biological factors that predict the ongoing climate impactsof coral reefs, and explore the potential for adaptation, acclimation and stress tolerance of coral reefs.… Continue Reading →
Assessing human well-being constructs with environmental and equity aspects: A review of the landscape
Based on the findings of our review, we identify several pathways forward for the development and implementation of well-being frameworks that can inform efforts to leverage well-being for public policy.
Evolution reverses the effect of network structure on metapopulation persistence
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.
Transitioning to co‑management in Caribbean reef fisheries: Tela Bay case study
We analyzed the 5-year transition process of a Caribbean reef fishery from top-down management to co-management. Despite previous research stating that the Caribbean in general, and Honduras in particular, are not ready for collaborative management approaches we saw that the Tela Bay was able to successfully implement a co-management system.
Ecomorphological analyses reveal impact of land-based stressors on stock structure of two commercially important fish species in the Caribbean
Many Caribbean nations lack information on the ecology and biology of marine species, which are essential for food security and livelihoods in the region. This study aimed to advance the knowledge of two commercially important fish species, lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris) and white grunt (Haemulon plumierii), using cost-efficient techniques.
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 empowered with more information.