Coral Reef Conservation Fund
Our Waters, Our Future
The Florida Keys Coral Reef Conservation Fund
Help us protect our irreplaceable Coral Reefs
The Green Pineapple has partnered with The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to help support the rescue, protection and restoration of our beloved coral reefs. 360 linear miles long, Florida's coral reef is the third largest coral reef in the world and the only barrier reef in the continental United States. Considered the rainforest of the ocean, coral reefs are also the most diverse eco-system. Known for their beautiful colors and abundance of fish, the Florida coral reef is home to more than 6,000 species of plants and animals who depend on a healthy reef for protection, and a place to feed and reproduce. Like a city community, different organisms reside at all levels within the coral reef structure, and each of them has a role to play.
Over the last 40 years, coral reefs in the Florida Keys have suffered dramatic declines. Today, nearly 90 percent of the live corals that once dominated our reefs have been lost. In response to the decline in coral reef health, the Florida Keys region has become a world leader in coral reef restoration. Although local efforts have had success at small scales, restoration has not been able to keep up with the rate of decline.
In 2018, scientists began rescuing coral representing 20 different species from Florida' Keys waters. Today, over 2,000 stony coral are now being kept in safe aquariums in 14 states across the US. These are being bred to increase their genetic diversity and resistance to diseases and other environmental stresses. Their resilient offspring are then returned to Florida's reefs by the tens of thousands in hopes of restoring this critical eco-system. Emergency action is required to change the trajectory of the health of coral reefs in Florida, and to protect the economy that depends on them.
The Florida Keys Coral Reef Conservation Fund was created to help restore our local coral reef habitat and to help change the trajectory of the eco-system and protect one of the country's unique areas for future generations. Coral reefs are incredible natural resources that also support the local economy while providing opportunities for education, scientific research and public recreation. A strong healthy reef is also protection for the Florida mainland from the full force of hurricanes.
Help us protect our beautiful, irreplaceable coral reef. Please donate online or at one of our Key West boutiques and The Green Pineapple will give 100% of your donations to The Florida Keys Coral Reef Conservation Fund. They, in turn, will distribute grants to many organizations working to support additional capacity for coral propagation and native grazing species to help keep the reefs clean and healthy and maintain healthy fisheries.