In celebration of World Oceans Day, Coral Restoration Foundation is hosting its 3rd Annual Coralpalooza. The event, which takes place the weekend of June 2nd, aims to bring recreational divers and ocean conservation-minded individuals together to promote coral reef restoration and ocean preservation.
Coralpalooza helps raise awareness for World Oceans Day, recognized internationally each year on June 8th, as well as the importance of the restoration, preservation, and conservation of the continental United States’ only barrier reef ecosystem.
Registered individuals will have the opportunity to work in Coral Restoration Foundation’s offshore nurseries, outplanting corals on reef restoration sites, documenting the health of existing colonies, and remove marine debris from the ocean alongside experienced Team Leaders.
All registered participants must be certified scuba divers and able to attend a training session held at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo on the afternoon of June 2nd. The session will feature a presentation on basic reef and coral biology plus hands-on training with modules to prepare divers for the following day.
On Saturday, participants will meet their assigned dive groups at a pre-determined dive shop location in the Florida Keys. Space is limited and expected to fill up quickly so make your reservations today!
Participants are invited to attend a celebration event held the evening of June 3rd at Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant and Bar in Key Largo for happy hour, appetizers and live music. Announcements will summarize activities from the day, followed by a raffle.
Registration is $20 per person to take part in this unique opportunity of giving back to our oceans. If you are not able to join in the water, there will also be on-land activities taking place for individuals of all ages! Registration for this is not necessary and details will soon be announced.
Through Coralpalooza 2016, over 200 divers filled 17 boats to raise awareness for our coral reefs. Teams outplanted 1,865 corals onto 11 different reef restoration sites, conducted routine maintenance in offshore Coral Nurseries, and collected valuable citizen scientist data on growth and mortality of previously outplanted coral clusters on various reefs.
This year, through the help of local dive operators and partner organizations both local and international, such as Mote Marine Laboratory, Oceanus A.C., FUNDEMAR, and Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire, we hope that Coralpalooza 2017 will have an even greater impact!
To take part in this year’s Coralpalooza or to find more information regarding registration, sponsorship opportunities, and answers to commonly asked questions, visit www.coralrestoration.org/coralpalooza
