Coral Restoration Unit
The science, technology, and team behind one of the world's most innovative coral restoration programs.
Where Science Meets Conservation
The Plant A Million Corals Restoration Unit is the operational core of our foundation. Combining state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure with experienced field dive teams, our unit executes every stage of the coral restoration pipeline, from collection to transplantation.
Based at our land-based nursery at Summerland Farms in Summerland Key, FL, and operating across the Florida Keys reef tract, our restoration unit represents one of the most comprehensive coral restoration operations in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Our team uses a rigorous data-driven approach to track the success of every coral transplant, continuously refining our techniques based on survival rates, growth data, and reef health monitoring.
Equipment & Methodology
Diamond-Blade Micro-Saw
Custom-configured precision saws cut coral into fragments as small as 1–2 polyps with minimal tissue damage, triggering the accelerated healing and growth response discovered by Dr. Vaughan.
Flow-Through Saltwater Systems
Our tanks use live ocean water delivered through flow-through systems, maintaining natural salinity, temperature, and plankton levels optimal for coral growth and health.
LED Reef Lighting
Programmable LED systems simulate natural reef light cycles, ensuring coral zooxanthellae receive optimal light for photosynthesis throughout the growth phase.
Environmental Monitoring
Automated sensors continuously monitor water temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and flow rates, alerting staff to any conditions that could stress coral fragments.
Genotype Database
Every coral genotype in our nursery is catalogued with GPS coordinates of collection site, species ID, collection date, and growth performance data, enabling scientific rigor in restoration.
Reef Transplantation Gear
Our dive teams use specially designed underwater tools for affixing coral fragments to reef substrate using marine epoxy and titanium pins, maximizing survival rates.
Current Research Initiatives
Thermal Resilience Research
Identifying genotypes that demonstrate superior tolerance to elevated ocean temperatures, building a library of "super corals" for use in climate-resilient reef restoration.
Genetic Diversity Study
Mapping the full range of genetic diversity in Florida's remaining wild coral populations to ensure our restoration efforts maximize genetic breadth and long-term reef resilience.
Long-Term Survival Monitoring
Conducting multi-year follow-up monitoring of all transplanted corals across multiple reef sites in the Florida Keys to understand long-term survival rates and reef recovery.
Global Technology Transfer
Adapting and validating micro-fragmentation protocols for coral species in different reef regions worldwide, training teams in the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Technology Transfer in Action
Our Coral Restoration Unit has been deployed across the Caribbean, including here at the Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico. We train local teams to operate their own units, bringing micro-fragmentation technology directly to the communities that need it most.
See Our NurserySupport Our Restoration Science
Every dollar donated directly supports our coral restoration operations, research, and the team making it all happen.