The Coral Protection and Restoration Program (CPR) continues to administer state and federal funding to implement priority reef management and research objectives. One funded project led by Dr. Nikki Fogarty titled Optimizing Reproductive Success of Corals Spawned in Land-based Nurseries, is using innovative methods to improve upon aquaria induced coral spawning, larval survival, settlement and growout.

Several Aquatic Preserve staff from the Southeast Region presented slides or posters at the SEACAR Project of Special Merit’s (PSM) Science Stories in Your Community Public Seminar showcasing work done in the region alongside the PSM team’s larger science communications initiatives. 

Noah Singer, Ecosystem Assessment Specialist, and Robin Sarabia, AP Manager, of the Florida Keys Aquatic Preserve, met with representatives from SeaBase and SeaCamp to initiate the beginning stages of a partnership with both the organizations. These organizations host camp and school groups throughout the year to provide marine science-based activities to children of all ages.

Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve assisted in helping with hardbottom monitoring in Saint Martin's Marsh Aquatic Preserve and in Natures Coast Aquatic Preserve. Sponge, coral, invertebrates and many other aspects are being monitored as part of a 3-year grant project for the area.

Mote Marine Lab’s coral scientists joined Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve staff to locate and map some hard corals in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve for future genetic sampling. One of the species does not fit either of the two local species in its genus. It may be a different species altogether. Four species of hard corals were observed on Tampa Bay hardbottom during this field visit with future collaborations planned.

Maurizio also visited The Florida Aquarium’s Coral Conservation & Research Center in Apollo Beach, FL where the DEP CPR Program has made significant investments. Although the Aquarium team was hard at work on coral spawning, they took the time to show Maurizio around their facilities, in which they are propagating and rearing thousands of priority corals for reef restoration.