Mission: Iconic Reefs
The coral reefs of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are legendary, making up a barrier reef that spans more than 260 continuous miles. But these coral reefs, like coral reefs across the globe, are in serious trouble. In recent decades, they have been damaged by hurricanes, bleaching, disease, pollution, and heavy human use. The sanctuary and its partners are working diligently to protect the reefs, but our efforts have not been able to keep up with the decline. In response, NOAA and our partners have launched Restoring Seven Iconic Reefs: A Mission to Recover the Coral Reefs of the Florida Keys, one of the largest commitments in reef restoration anywhere in the world. By restoring corals at seven iconic reef sites in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, we can change the trajectory of an entire ecosystem and help save one of the world's most unique areas for future generations.