Why Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that feature not only numerous species of the namesake corals but also many thousands of other plants and animals interspersed within (or just above) the colorful coral structures. But across the planet, coral reefs are in trouble. The loss of coral reefs could be the first functional climate extinction in our lifetime.

Climate-Proofing Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that contain multiple species of coral and support the lives of countless animals in and around their colorful contours.  The survival of both old growth and newly planted coral reefs relies on making coral more resilient to the pressures of climate change and other more localized human pressures.

Strengthening Capacity in the Places Coral Live

Scientists around the world are working on new methods to make coral reefs resilient.  Every year the science gets better and better.  But because corals are degrading so rapidly, it’s vital that new successful methods quickly get into the hands of well trained coral practitioners. Reef Rangers is:

  • Building human capacity for coral research.

  • Engaging in career development and training in coral research and restoration.

  • Providing unrestricted access to the latest information and research facilities.

  • Providing a way to connect to regional and international research and conservation programs.

  • Building and fostering equity in coral conservation leadership.

Healthy coral reefs are good for everyone

Coral reef services are valued at up to $9.9 trillion annually and are relied upon by an estimated 1 billion people.

  • COASTAL PROTECTION

    $109B

    GDP are protected by coral reefs

  • BIODIVERSITY

    1M

    Species living in and around coral reefs. Coral reefs provide habitat for at least 25% of all marine species.

  • TOURISM

    $36B

    Is generated by coral reefs for tourism each year.

  • FOOD SECURITY

    >3.3B

    People around the world depend on fish for at least 20% of their animal-protein intake, and in many developing countries, seafood accounts for more than 50% of the total animal-protein intake.


  • MEDICINE

    >½

    of all new cancer drug research is focused on marine organisms.

  • EMPLOYMENT

    500M

    jobs are supported by coral reefs

How are we saving coral reefs from extinction?

Simply put, we need as many well-educated coral reef practitioners in the water as possible to help “climate-proof” reefs.  It’s not enough merely to create marine protected areas.  Coral reefs need these well educated practitioners - Reef Rangers - in the places where coral lives who can apply methods to help ensure the survival of corals.

The Coral Resilience Institute is working to educate legions of Reef Rangers around the world who have been taught the latest science needed to give coral reefs a chance. The Reef Rangers program offers courses spanning basic coral reef ecology for lay audiences to advanced training modules for those already working with corals including:

  • A centralized virtual hub of quality science & information that can be accessed at no cost from any part of the world. 

  • State-of-the-art online and in-water courses.

  • Faculty consisting of the world’s top coral scientists.

  • Access to fellow students and scientists across the planet.

  • A place to mobilize & deploy rapid rescue teams in the event of oil spills or other emergencies that threaten coral reefs.

  • In-person training for resort workers and dive industry employees in the latest coral reef conservation and restoration techniques.