University of Miami engages public to save struggling coral reefs

In August 2025, a group of researchers from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School Coral Restoration Lab engaged with members of the public in a hands-on effort to restore coral reefs in Biscayne Bay, Florida. The initiative was part of a broader initiative called the Miami Community Resiliency Project, which aims to involve citizen scientists in critical environmental efforts. During this event, participants assisted in gardening corals that are vital for research and restoration activities. Despite facing challenges due to inclement weather and the inherent difficulty of accessing these reefs, many participants found the experience rewarding and valuable to the community. As researchers guided the citizen scientists through the restoration process, they stressed the urgency of the work, specifically citing the significant decline of coral reefs in recent years. Dalton Hesley remarked on the alarming rate at which coral populations are decreasing, indicating that they had shifted from being able to grow and restore hundreds of thousands of corals to only tens of thousands. This stark reality highlights the need for public awareness and concerted restoration efforts to protect these vital ecosystems from further decline. Dr. Gloria Blaise, a program manager at the Miami Resiliency Project, emphasized the importance of making these scientific endeavors accessible to wider communities, which often remain unaware of the challenges being faced by coral reefs. She mentioned that the initiative serves not only to promote engagement but also to educate those who may feel disconnected from marine ecosystems that are not easily accessible. By involving citizen scientists, the project aims to inspire a more engaged and informed population regarding marine conservation efforts. As the event came to a close, participants expressed their satisfaction in being part of a meaningful cause. The scientists and public alike hope that such collaborations will foster a lasting commitment to coral restoration and marine ecology, encouraging more citizens to participate in future initiatives that support the ongoing fight for the survival of coral reefs. With the increasing threats posed by environmental changes, the urgency for public involvement in conservation efforts cannot be overstated.