THE

CORAL NURSERY

OUR MISSION

At The Coral Nursery, our mission is to restore and conserve coral reefs.

By harnessing cutting-edge methodologies, educating the community, and fostering
partnerships, we strive to revive coral ecosystems, safeguard marine biodiversity, and inspire stewardship of our oceans for generations to come.

HOW IT WORKS

At The Coral Nursery of Puerto Rico, we grow corals 25-40x 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 4,000 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

Through our partnership with The Palmas Academy, we’re launching the 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.

While available to Palmas Academy students 24/7, 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!

THE CORAL RESTORATION UNIT

Coming to The Palmas Academy Spring 2025

The Coral Nursery is what is referred to as a Coral Restoration Unit, or CRU.
Using the micro-fragmentation method, our CRU will reproduce thousands of corals annually.
This nursery will include multiple retractable tanks for up to 1,000 corals each, temperature controlled awnings, a miniature laboratory & workstation, and a pop-up shop for all gear & educational materials. Designed and engineered by Plant A Million Corals Foundation, The Coral Nursery will continue the ongoing efforts to protect and restore our coral reefs.