Sign the petition calling on Florida elected officials to support the long-term restoration of Florida’s Coral Reef and designate these ecosystems as critical natural infrastructure.
Florida’s Coral Reef is unique and iconic, providing billions annually to the economy and serving as home to an abundance of fish and marine creatures. But it is at a critical tipping point, declining each and every year.
Florida’s Coral Reef protects our shorelines and real estate from storm surge and erosion, supports thriving fisheries, and provides tens of thousands of jobs. Yet, the reef has declined by more than 90% since the 1970s.
Across the state, scientists and restoration teams are working to grow and replant resilient corals. But these efforts depend on one critical factor: long-term, consistent funding.
In 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Initiative, with the goal of developing the infrastructure, technology, skilled workforce, and logistics necessary by 2050 to support the long-term recovery of no less than 25% of Florida’s Coral Reef.
In the first few years, 14 partner institutions received $9.5 million annually in FCR3 Initiative funding to support impactful, science-driven efforts that accelerate the recovery of the reef. Real progress was being made. But this year, FCR3 funding was not included in the budget, leaving zero dollars for this initiative – and stalling that momentum.
As Florida’s Coral Reef faces growing threats, now is the time to strengthen, not abandon, proven restoration efforts like FCR3. Florida cannot afford to lose this natural infrastructure.
Sign the petition calling on our Florida elected officials to support continued scale and investment in the FCR3 Initiative and the designation of Florida’s Coral Reef as critical natural infrastructure so that future generations can enjoy the inspiration and magic of Florida’s Coral Reef.