Book Online Now!What is Coral Restoration Foundation?
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. Together with CRF, Sea Dwellers Dive Center is committed to protecting coral research, large scale cultivation, and outplanting of coral reefs. To learn more about CRF, click here.
Why are Reefs Important
Coral reefs are complex and ancient habitats. They have been a feature of life on Earth for around 500 million years. Often referred to as “rainforests of the sea,” coral reef ecosystems are one of the most biodiverse in the world. Around 25% of all marine species rely on coral reefs, including sharks and sea turtles, crustaceans, and schooling fish. If we do not take action, we currently stand to lose all shallow-water coral reefs by the end of this century.
Coral reefs provide crucial coastal protection. They act as a physical barrier between ocean and land, dissipating up to 97% of wave energy, mitigating hurricane damage and coastal erosion, and protecting coastal infrastructure including the homes and businesses of more than 500 million people around the world.
The protection that reefs offer allow for sea grass beds and mangrove ecosystems to flourish. These ecosystems are also important habitats in their own right, but together they create positive feedback loops, ensuring the balance of life in shallow seas. Reefs underpin commercial and recreational fishing industries, as well as tourism-based economies. Coral reefs have an annual estimated economic value of around $9.9 trillion globally.
How Can I Help?
By joining Sea Dwellers and CRF, recreational dive programs let ocean lovers from all over help protect the reef system. Programs are designed for all certified SCUBA divers of all levels! We can even take snorkelers to help us in the CRF Nursery and while outplanting coral! This program is designed to show divers how the outside world affects the under water world and what they can do to help protect the ocean and the reef.
How Do I Sign Up?
Sign up for this amazing opportunity by calling the shop at 305.451.3640 and reserving your space and for dates available.
What Does the Day Look Like?
Hands-on training starts at 9 am at the CRF™ Exploration Center. Check-in at the dive shop is at 12:00pm and the afternoon dives will befrom 1 to 5 pm. Begin in the Tavernier Coral Tree™ Nursery (the largest in the world!) and finish with a visit to an active restoration site, where you will help restore a critically endangered species.
This program incurs the dive operator cost and a $50 per person donation to CRF™.
