About Plant A Million Corals

A science-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring the world's coral reefs, one fragment at a time.

Our Foundation

Plant A Million Corals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Florida Keys, dedicated to the research, development, and implementation of coral reef restoration technologies.

Founded on the pioneering work of Dr. David Vaughan, we leverage the breakthrough technique of micro-fragmentation to grow resilient corals at 25-40x the natural rate, giving reefs a fighting chance against climate change, bleaching, and pollution.

Our work spans laboratory research, open-ocean planting, community education, and global partnerships, all in service of one goal: turning the tide for coral reefs in our lifetime.

Vision

To turn the tide of our oceans by saving our coral reefs, restoring them at a speed and scale to save our oceans in our lifetime.

Mission

By implementing new restoration technologies and providing a global platform for community action, we can make a real and measurable difference for reefs worldwide.

Impact

From the Florida Keys to Costa Rica, our technology and education programs are being implemented by communities around the world.

Dr. David Vaughan, Founder of Plant A Million Corals Foundation

Dr. David Vaughan

Dr. David Vaughan is a world-renowned marine biologist whose accidental discovery of micro-fragmentation revolutionized coral restoration science. With over three decades of experience in coral reef research, Dr. Vaughan served as the Executive Director of the Mote Marine Laboratory's Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration.

In 2012, what started as a mistake in the lab - a coral specimen accidentally broken against the tank - led to the most important breakthrough in coral restoration: the discovery that corals could be grown 25-40x faster when fragmented into tiny pieces.

Dr. Vaughan has been featured in TED talks, PBS documentaries, and The Atlantic, and has trained restoration teams in more than a dozen countries.

Read The Discovery Story

Summerland Farms in Action

Help Us Save Our Coral Reefs

Every donation, volunteer hour, and share helps us plant more corals and protect more reefs. Join our community of ocean advocates today.