Coral reefs around the world are in decline—a reality I’ve witnessed firsthand through my time with NOAA and from working as a divemaster. Alongside this loss, I’ve also seen the powerful impact that restoration efforts can have on these sensitive, yet resilient ecosystems. In some regions, conservation measures, such as annual closures of the most fragile reefs, have allowed damaged areas the time and space needed to recover, and in some cases, even thrive again.

Restoration techniques include building artificial structures that provide a stable foundation for new coral growth while expanding underwater habitat for other marine life. Coral fragments are carefully cultivated in nurseries and, once they reach a suitable size, are transplanted onto damaged reef sites where they grow into mature colonies.

These efforts have proven to accelerate reef recovery and strengthen the ecosystem as a whole. Through these methods and others, comes renewed hope for the many species that depend on these vital and fragile marine biomes.