OUR MISSION

To restore coral reefs while inspiring the next generation to protect the ocean through marine education.

Through innovative restoration technology, hands-on education, and community partnerships, we’re rebuilding reefs, creating local opportunity, and safeguarding marine life for the future.

HOW IT WORKS

At The Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico, we grow corals 40x faster than natural regeneration using the micro-fragmentation method. At this rate, we’re able to restore a 100-year old coral in just two years.

Micro-fragmentation is the most advanced technique within coral restoration. It works by cutting corals into tiny pieces, or “micro-fragments,” stimulating rapid growth & regeneration.

These small coral fragments, or “coral recruits,” then rapidly grow at a rate that would take decades in the wild, for only 6-9 months in our carefully regulated tanks. At any given time, each of our coral restoration tanks holds up to 1,000 coral recruits each, waiting patiently for the day they return to the ocean. Once they reach ideal maturity, our healthy, happy corals are ready to be out-planted back onto our reefs!

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

We offer a K-12 Aquaculture Science Program designed to spark a passion for ocean conservation and provide hands-on experience in coral aquaculture. Aligned with the National Marine Educators Association framework, the program offers engaging activities focused on research, data collection, and marine biology.

Our program is available to students at our partner school, The Palmas Academy, while we’re also excited to involve all local schools, homeschool groups, and community members. Our goal is to inspire future scientists and equip them with skills for careers in environmental science and coral restoration. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our oceans!

Located adjacent to our Partner, The Palmas Academy

The Coral Nursery is what is referred to as a Coral Restoration Unit, or CRU.

We are officially one-of-a-kind with our reverse osmosis recirculating water system.
This nursery includes multiple display tanks for up to 1,000 corals each, an individual recirculating water system for each tank including individual chillers, a robust filtration system, temperature controlled awnings, solar power, and all tools needed for our method of coral restoration, micro fragmentation.

Alongside our CRU is our education pod for students to engage in our education program, as well as locals, tourists, and anyone who's interested! Our education pod also includes a bathroom and office - all ADA approved and accessible to all. We're a proud partner of Plant A Million Corals Foundation, engineer behind our CRU.

Our facility will reproduce thousands of corals annually.

THE CORAL RESTORATION UNIT