I.CARE

Well, 2023 was quite a year. As many know, this past summer we saw record temperatures. This would not have been news except for the fact we experienced this beginning in June. Record temps are not new these days, as we do expect and plan for these occurrences. Normally, for water temperatures, this is experienced in late August in September. The duration of this heat event is what surprised us all.

Despite the heat, we had significant survival amongst our star and brain coral outplants. In fact, the overwhelming majority survived. Our branching corals suffered the most. Despite this, there is good news with our elkhorn coral ouplants. In 2020, Alligator reef had literally zero living elkhorn, a location this species used to thrive. Today, we have just under 100 surviving! This is largely in part due to our consistent maintenance performed weekly by our team of local volunteers!

2023 Accomplishments

• Trained over 2,000 how to help us rebuild our coral reefs
• Sponges outplanted have had universal survival and were unaffected by the summer’s heat stress
• Forged new partnerships with the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Aquarium, Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University, and the non-profit Diving With a Purpose.
• Continue to work with Force Blue where we train special operations veterans the need for reef restoration and the hands-on experience of doing the work. Thank you Guy Harvey for helping making this experience a reality!
• Developed a partnership with Hemmingway Distillery, makers of the world’s best rum, Papa’s Pilar. Thank you so much for your financial support!!!
• Of course, a huge thank you to Mote Marine Laboratory. Our partnership continues to grow and strengthen.

As always, a special thanks to the Stanczyk family, the owners of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. Thank you for your generosity. Not only would so much of what we do not be possible without you, the Keys community will forever be in your gratitude.

Of course, a huge thank you to all of our supporters. You are our greatest partner.

Michael Goldberg and Dr. Kylie Smith

Co-Founders