Why Protect Our Reefs
Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by accelerating environmental challenges. Florida’s Coral Reef is at great risk, and so are its valuable ecological and economic benefits. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggests that coral reefs in southeast Florida have an asset value of $8.5 billion and support more than 70,000 jobs. However, limited funding is available to help use the best available science and technology to restore and sustain this critical ecosystem.
Mote Marine Laboratory is committed to leading and empowering the best available science. For more than 20 years, Mote’s Protect Our Reefs Grant Program has reviewed more than 500 proposals and awarded grants to more than 300 projects at many different institutions, totaling more than $7 million.
