Together, we can restore the reefs of the Florida Keys
I.CARE empowers recreational divers and the community to actively rebuild coral and sponge populations across Islamorada and the Florida Keys.
53.62%
of coral outplants survived after 1 year
32,158
corals outplanted since 2021
These statistics reflect coral outplant survivorship throughout an entire year of ocean conditions, including periods of thermal stress.
join the mission
I.CARE is dedicated to restoring hope to Florida’s Coral Reef by empowering the community to be part of the solution. Through hands-on conservation, we engage people of all backgrounds to actively rebuild coral and sponge populations on coral reefs. Recreational divers work alongside scientists to transplant and maintain corals and sponges, directly contributing to the recovery of these critical ecosystems. Non-divers are equally vital to the mission, participating in land-based husbandry, educational programs, and outreach efforts that inspire awareness and stewardship of these critical habitats. With the help of our community, I.CARE transforms passion into action by restoring reefs, strengthening communities, and protecting Florida’s marine ecosystems for generations to come.
DIVE
LEARN
Help restore our reefs by funding cutting-edge research, education initiatives, and more.
Partner with I.CARE as a business or dive shop to amplify reef restoration.
Understand the science behind coral and sponge restoration in the Florida Keys.
Work alongside scientists to transplant and maintain corals and sponges on restoration dives.
DONATE
SPONSOR
OUR STORY
Born from a shared love of the reef
I.CARE co-founders Dr. Kylie Smith and Michael Goldberg met in 2017 and bonded over the reefs of the Florida Keys.
What began as conversations between a marine scientist and a dive shop owner became a full coral restoration organization. Since January 2021, I.CARE has transplanted corals across the upper Florida Keys. Recreational divers work alongside scientists, combining community passion with scientific best practices.
AS SEEN ON
Co-founder Michael Goldberg was featured on CNN's Heroes segment, sharing how recreational divers are restoring the reefs of the Florida Keys — one coral at a time.
Featured on CNN Heroes
MAINTENANCE & OUTPLANT SCHEDULE
Participate in an I.CARE dive on your own schedule. I.CARE offers weekly reef maintenance trips and weekly coral and sponge transplanting trips. Each restoration dive includes mandatory training followed by two-tank dives with an I.CARE divemaster.
COLLABORATORS
Our partners
I.CARE collaborates with and receives corals from leading marine research institutions.
Every coral counts. So do you.
Whether you dive, donate, or spread the word, you're part of restoring hope to Florida's reefs. Together, we can restore the coral reefs of the Florida Keys.