FORCE BLUE Military Veterans, Students & Scientists Came Together
To Save Coral Reefs in the Florida Keys With Celebration of the Sea Founder & CEO Patxi Pastor - Story Featured On Bonnier Media
Retired Special Operations military veterans made a direct impact on saving coral reefs in the Florida Keys, where only 3% of living coral remains. FORCE BLUE retrains and redeploys Special Operations veterans to work alongside scientists on marine conservation missions. This special mission included coral restoration organizations I.CARE which is dedicated to restoring the reefs of Islamorada and Mote Marine Laboratory. The veterans participated in a special program designed to research and help save the coral reefs in Islamorada, Florida. Participating divers underwent scientific training provided by I.CARE staff covering coral restoration methodology, coral species identification, and data collection.
During the dives, the team transplanted corals and conducted maintenance and monitoring activities on previously transplanted corals. “Coral reefs play a critical role in protecting coastal communities and economies. We can and must do more to save them,” said U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), who along with Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), introduced the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act to restore and conserve coral reefs by authorizing five years of directed federal grant funding for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystems. “Restoring and conserving these reefs will promote healthier ecosystems, protect aquatic habitats and support our marine life.”
Among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, healthy coral reefs have high cultural and economic significance. “Here in the Florida Keys and throughout our state and country, coral reefs have a powerful impact on tourism, business, the marine industry and our way of life,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice. “Our reefs are declining here because of development, climate change, overfishing and disease. What we are doing in the ocean today will go a long way in protecting them.” The training and diving generated much needed public awareness and focus on just how critically important coral reefs are in the world.