Florida Aquarium and FWC Use “Coral Defender” to Boost Coral Reef Restoration
March 28, 2025 7:19 pm
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FWC staff selecting corals to our plant. The corals are growing on cement plugs separated by species onto white trays. The Coral Defenders are seen inside the red basket. Photo by the Florida Aquarium.
Tampa, FL – The Florida Aquarium, in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), has unveiled an innovative pilot project aimed at protecting Florida’s fragile coral reefs. The initiative introduces the “Coral Defender,” a biodegradable, 3D-printed tool designed to shield newly outplanted corals from predators and enhance their chances of survival. Made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)—natural polyesters produced by bacteria through the fermentation of sugars or fats—this eco-friendly technology marks a significant step forward in coral restoration efforts.
A close-up of young grooved brain corals to be outplanted. These corals were spawned in captivity and raised by the Florida aquarium until they reached a suitable size for outplanting. Photo by the Florida Aquarium.Close up of an out planted grooved brain coral with the Coral Defenders surrounding it. The cement attaching them to the reef is visible under the coral and each leg of the Coral Defender. Photo by FWC.FWC staff selecting corals to our plant. The corals are growing on cement plugs separated by species onto white trays. The Coral Defenders are seen inside the red basket. Photo by the Florida Aquarium.
The project kicked off with a two-day restoration mission in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where divers from The Florida Aquarium and FWC successfully outplanted 660 young corals raised at the Aquarium. These corals, including species such as grooved brain, symmetrical brain, and ridged cactus corals, were distributed across four reef sites. To evaluate the Coral Defender’s effectiveness, half of the outplanted corals were equipped with the biodegradable protectors, while the other half were left without, allowing scientists to compare their performance.
Over the next 18 months, FWC researchers will closely monitor the corals to assess key factors, including the Coral Defender’s ability to deter fish predation, the rate at which the PHA material degrades in the ocean, and the overall survival rates of the outplants. The study will also consider variables such as coral species, habitat type, and the acclimation period to the marine environment.
Close up of an out planted grooved brain coral with the Coral Defenders surrounding it. The cement attaching them to the reef is visible under the coral and each leg of the Coral Defender. Photo by FWC.
“Our Coral Defender represents an evolution in coral restoration,” said the project leader, a Research Scientist with the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Coral Research Program. “By providing a biodegradable, yet effective defense against predators, we’re giving these corals a fighting chance to grow and thrive naturally.”
The initiative comes at a critical time for Florida’s Coral Reef, which faces ongoing threats from climate change, predation, and habitat degradation. If successful, the Coral Defender could become a game-changer in the fight to restore and sustain these vital ecosystems, offering a scalable, environmentally friendly solution to bolster coral survival rates.
As the monitoring phase unfolds, the results of this pilot project could pave the way for broader adoption of biodegradable technologies in reef restoration, providing hope for the future of Florida’s underwater treasures.
