What We Do

Discover Coral Reefs School Program

The Discover Coral Reefs School Program introduces fourth grade students to the value and importance of the surrounding coral reef ecosystem through classroom presentations, film, and art. In 2010 we were able to more than double the number of students that took part in this environmental education experience in 2009. Your support helps us to grow this essential program.

Coral Camp

During the summer months Reef Relief offers a unique opportunity for children 6-12 years of age to learn about coastal environments, the basics of ocean ecology, and threats facing the survival of these ecosystems. Coral Camp is an interactive nature-based educational summer camp experience. 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. Join today and help us carry on our legacy of educating the next generation of ocean lovers.

Coastal Clean-Ups

Reef Relief organizes community coastal clean-up events year round. Hundreds of volunteers remove thousands of pounds of debris from shorelines, mangrove estuaries, sea grass beds, and the reef. With the threat of disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, our marine debris removal program is ever more significant. Please join today so that we can continue to be a leader in sponsoring these important events.

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 programs are essential for growing awareness that leads to the active support of citizens for coastal resource protection in the Florida Keys. As part of this effort, we run an Environmental Center that introduces visitors to the coral reef ecosystem, its threats and what can be done to protect our coastal resources. The center features a diorama of a healthy reef and a damaged coral reef and identifies conditions needed for healthy growth as well as major threats to the coral reef ecosystem. A Google Earth Oceans exhibit enables the viewer to visit coral reefs around the world. A theater shows films related to coastal resource issues. The center is located at the heavily trafficked Historic Seaport in Key West. We target both the local community and the large visitor population of over 2,000,000 each year with our educational efforts. Your membership with Reef Relief is the foundation we need to provide a fun and informational experience for visitors from all across the globe.

BP Oil Spill Response

Responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster Reef Relief recruited nearly 300 volunteers and helped enlist community members for oil spill response Hazmat training, distribution of oil spill factsheets while hosting and attending public forums and meetings. These actions are just a few parts of our ongoing efforts to prepare for ecological disasters facing our marine environment as we continue the fight in the state capital and Washington to put an end to dangerous off shore oil and gas drilling. Your generous support provides us the resources we need to run the campaigns that will help lead us into a cleaner energy efficient future.

Reef Relief’s Portfolio of Work (pdf)

Our mission: Reef Relief is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improve and protect our coral reef ecosystem.

Reef Relief is a registered 501(c)3 organization.