2. Directed Evolution & Coral Restoration
 A novel method of saving coral is to grow it in the laboratory and progressively increase the temperature and acidity of the culture medium. Over many generations, mutations occur that allow the coral to live at higher temperatures and acidity. These are then transplanted back into the ocean where they can grow and provide coral resistant to the current changes in ocean temperature and chemistry.
A number of laboratories are advancing this technique.


Coral Restoration Foundation™ (CRF) is the world's largest non-profit marine-conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs to a healthy state, in Florida and globally. We grow corals in offshore Coral Tree™ Nurseries, and then outplant them out onto carefully selected sites.

Since 2012, we have now planted more than 74,000 critically endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals back onto the Florida Reef Tract. Many of these corals have now grown into thriving colonies with the ability to spawn, kick-starting the reefs' natural process of recovery across 10 species, to ensure that they are restoring the reefs' genetic diversity and resilience.

They rigorously monitor our out planted corals and use data to inform our strategic development. They work with government agencies including NOAA, universities, NGOs, and others.