What We Do
Discover Coral Reefs School Program
The 2010/2011 school year was the 16th that Reef Relief has presented the Discover Coral Reefs School Program to Monroe County students. The program has been a continuing collaboration between Reef Relief and the Monroe County School District. The curriculum introduces fourth grade students in the Florida Keys to the value and importance of the surrounding coral reef ecosystem, and the ways that they can be an active part of the stewardship of these resources. Students become familiar with answers to lesson points that are featured in the Coral Reef Guide for Kids of All Ages brochure. After the lesson, what they have learned is brought to life on a glass-bottom boat trip. During the trips, students see fish, corals, and invertebrates while a presenter identifies and explains functions of the marine life they are viewing. For many students, it is the first time they have ever visited a reef. We offer this program throughout the Florida Keys. In 2011, nearly 1000 students participated in this environmental education experience. The success of this program is reflected in the number and quality of previous students’ returning to Reef Relief for internships from colleges, research institutions and government throughout the world.
Coral Camp
Since 2008, Reef Relief has offered a unique opportunity during the summer months for youths 6-12 years of age to learn more about coral reefs, marine life, and threats facing the survival of these ecosystems. Coral Camp is an interactive nature-based educational summer camp experience for local and visiting children. Each day the campers meet at the Reef Relief Environmental Center for a learning experience, and a field trip to a nearby educational facility. Camp activities include visits to NOAA’s Nancy Foster Eco Discovery Center, the Key West Aquarium, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (for snorkel school), Key West Wildlife Center and two days of snorkeling at the reef. In 2011, nearly 200 youths attended Coral Camp.
Coastal Clean-Ups
In partnership with community groups and government agencies, Reef Relief coordinates volunteer programs that cultivate an attitude of stewardship within coastal communities. Since 2010, Reef Relief’s coastline clean-ups have removed 11, 533lbs of marine debris. In 2011, Reef Relief launched a storm drain stenciling program to help protect near shore waters off the Florida Keys. The design and implementation of a snorkel trail by Reef Relief staff, partners, and volunteers within the Key West Marine Park – created by Reef Relief will provide a first class experience for the many visitors and Florida Keys residents. This will be the first interpretive snorkel trail in North America.
Reef Education
The distribution of nearly 100,000 brochures to Florida Keys locations including resorts, hotels and guesthouses, Chambers of Commerce, educational facilities, visitor centers and more are an important way to educate the public about our fragile ecosystem. Information found in the “Don’t Teach Your Trash to Swim” poster, “Coral Reef Guide for Kids of All Ages” brochure, “Coral Reefs” brochure and the “Florida Keys is a No Discharge Zone for Boater Sewage” brochure are all important resources to inform the general public. Join in our efforts to improve and protect our coral reef ecosystem.
Reef Relief Environmental Center
Reef Relief’s environmental education and advocacy programs are essential for growing awareness that leads to the active support of citizens for coastal resource protection in the Florida Keys and throughout the world. As part of this effort, our Environmental Center introduces visitors, school groups, and community members to the coral reef ecosystem, its threats and what can be done to protect our coastal and marine resources.
The center features a diorama of a healthy reef and a damaged coral reef that identifies commonly found coral species in the Caribbean and conditions needed for healthy coral growth as well as ways the coral reef ecosystem may be harmed as a whole. A Google Earth© Oceans exhibit enables the viewer to visit coral reefs around the world. A theater shows daily films related to coastal resource issues and brochures and other printed material is available for them to take and respond to. The center is located at the heavily trafficked Historic Seaport in Key West. We target the local community and large tourist population of over 2 million visitors each year with our educational efforts and materials.
Policy Guidance
For 25 years, Reef Relief has made considerable progress to improve the water quality and fish and wildlife of Florida’s coral reef ecosystems by working with the environmental, scientific and governmental leaders in Florida from the state Capitol in Tallahassee. Reef Relief’s State Program Director Dr. Jeff Sharkey and his staff with the Capitol Alliance Group are a driving force behind state level water quality policy.
Advocacy work by Reef Relief helps ensure best state and national standards for water quality in coastal and nearshore waters, and to coordinate with federal efforts on ocean governance and policy at the national level. Reef Relief staff continues to monitor and respond to state and federal actions, Coalition issues and others request for coral reef and water quality information and positions that help protect these resources.
Reef Relief portfolio of work 2012
Our mission
Reef Relief is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem.
Reef Relief is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
