CORAL RESTORATION
CORAL DISEASE
Coral Innovation Hub
Photogrammetry
Protecting coral reefs for a better tomorrow.
At the Perry Institute, we strive to preserve coral reefs for future generations through discovery science, coral reef restoration and marine education. Our holistic approach to reef rehabilitation encompasses aerial drones, photogrammetry and in-water field surveys, empowering us to monitor coral reef health over time, prioritize areas for restoration and slow the spread of deadly coral diseases. By collaborating with local communities in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean, we’re committed to creating sustainable solutions that foster a robust blue economy.
Coral Restoration
The Reef Rescue Network is the largest coral restoration initiative in The Bahamas, and has already expanded to St. Lucia and Aruba. This program works with NGOs, businesses, dive operators, citizen scientists and more to establish coral nurseries throughout the Caribbean, grow and plant corals onto degraded reefs and inspire a greater regional conservation ethic. To date, we operate more than 50 coral nurseries growing thousands of critically endangered corals!
Coral Disease
Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has plagued Caribbean reefs for several years, traveling up to a mile per month and killing thousands of corals in its wake. Considered the deadliest immediate threat to coral reefs in the Caribbean, this disease could put an end to coral reefs unless we act now. That’s why we track the spread of SCTLD – as well as other diseases – and train divers, government officials, NGOs and more to administer life-saving treatments onto infected reefs in the Caribbean.
Bahamas Coral
Innovation Hub
The Bahamas Coral Innovation Hub (BCIH) is a center that develops, implements and disseminates novel and scalable coral restoration techniques to help counteract coral reef decline. Based on the beautiful island of Eleuthera, we’ve created a research facility that hosts coral scientists, conservation managers, local stakeholders, students, and professors from all around the world!
3D Modelling
We’ve harnessed an exciting new technology – photogrammetry – to create detailed, 3D models of coral reefs. These models and photomosaics (2D satellite-style maps of reef surfaces) are incredible tools to not only monitor coral reef health over time and prioritize sites for restoration, but to show students the underwater world of coral reefs from the classroom!
Research
The Perry Institute is a Caribbean non-profit trailblazing coral conservation and restoration research for more than 50 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coral Reef Conservation
What is coral reef restoration?
Coral reef restoration is the active process of growing coral fragments in underwater nurseries and replanting them on degraded reefs. Perry Institute operates 41 coral nurseries across the Caribbean where our scientists culture resilient coral strains and rebuild damaged reef ecosystems.
How does Perry Institute restore coral reefs?
Our scientists cultivate coral fragments in underwater nurseries, selecting strains proven resilient to warming waters and disease. Once grown, divers outplant corals onto damaged reefs using specialized techniques. We also monitor reef health, track coral diseases like SCTLD, and use 3D photogrammetry to measure reef recovery over time.
How can I help coral reefs?
You can support coral reef conservation by donating to Perry Institute, joining a Reef Rescue Network expedition, or becoming a certified diver through our PADI Conservation IDC program. Every $25 donation plants a new coral on a Caribbean reef.
Where does my donation go?
Your donation funds on-the-water coral restoration science. $25 plants a coral, $100 builds a nursery tree, $250 tags a Nassau grouper for fisheries research, and $1,000 funds a full reef health assessment. Perry Institute is a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit with transparent impact reporting.
What is the Reef Rescue Network?
The Reef Rescue Network is Perry Institute's alliance of 41 coral nurseries, dive operators, and scientists across 7 Caribbean countries. Members participate in coral outplanting, reef monitoring, and restoration training. Dive operators can join, and travelers can visit partner sites through our expedition program.
What countries does Perry Institute work in?
Perry Institute for Marine Science runs coral restoration, fisheries conservation, and mangrove restoration programs across 7 countries: The Bahamas, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Belize, Honduras, and Trinidad and Tobago. The Reef Rescue Network spans 14 islands and 41 nurseries.