By now, you probably know the Florida Keys have reopened to visitors and divers after Hurricane Irma has passed. Many organizations have resumed their pre-storm operations, but some, like the Coral Restoration Foundation, will be working double-time before getting back to normal.

The Coral Restoration Foundation is a nonprofit based in Key Largo. They are at the forefront of coral reef rehabilitation, doing everything from growing coral in underwater nurseries to training volunteers to out-plant coral onto reefs around the Keys, among many other things.

To see what it’s like to dive with them, check out this video of some of our staff members touring the coral nursery and planting corals.

Fortunately, the foundation is reporting that almost all of their coral nurseries are intact, but Hurricane Irma did impact the shallow reefs where the coral is outplanted. They have a small window to reattach broken coral fragments, but being a nonprofit can make funding a challenge under such a tight deadline. They are asking for donations from the public. Any amount is beneficial and will go directly to restocking their coral nurseries and reattaching broken coral fragments, as well as continuing to assess storm damage.

They also hope to recruit local divers and boat captains to help repair the reef. Visit their website if you want to help rebuild Florida’s reefs today!