6th Annual State of the Water: Coral, conservation, and climate action in Miami (2024)

Miami Waterkeeper’s State of the Water (March 5, 2024) was an illuminating evening, where conservation met innovation. A sell-out event, more than 300 guests and attendees had the opportunity to get hands-on with cutting-edge coral technology, like NOAA’s Sequential Treatment Application Robot (STAR) System, immersive Virtual Reality by Rescue a Reef, and revolutionary 3D Printed Corals with the X-Reefs Project from the University of Miami’s Coral Reef Futures Lab.

The State of the Water address was given by coral expert and Miami Waterkeeper’s Executive Director and Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein Ph.D. It was followed by a riveting panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Silverstein, and explored the crucial topics of coastal resiliency, climate change threats, and the power of storytelling in environmental advocacy. Esteemed panelists included Professor Andrew Baker (Professor of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami), Ian Enochs, Ph.D. (AOML Program Lead, NOAA), and Tori Linder (Conservationist and Impact Producer), who shared their insights and strategies for restoring our reefs and igniting action. Poignant moments included the Porter Prize presentation, which honors leaders in conservation. This year it was presented by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava to WPLG Local 10 Anchor and Environmental Advocate, Louis Aguirre.

Thank you for joining Miami Waterkeeper as we shape the future of our oceans and coastal communities.