If you have ever swum, snorkeled, or dived in a coral reef or visited the Academy’s Philippine Coral Reef, you have experienced the stunning beauty of these critically important, but imperiled, ecosystems. They are not only home to tens of thousands of marine species, but also support the livelihoods of over one billion people in coastal communities around the tropics. Every time I’m diving in the field, I’m inspired by the beauty of the reefs that local community leaders, my fellow Academy scientists, and I are working so hard to protect.
Since 2023, the oceans have been experiencing a mass coral bleaching event, and 75% of the world’s coral reefs are threatened. At the Academy, we know that corals are resilient, and we can be a part of the solution. Here are a few ways we are working to save coral reefs:
Together, the Coral Regeneration Lab (CoRL) and Roatán Marine Park (RMP) successfully constructed the first-of-its-kind coral restoration facility in Honduras, which opened in 2025.
Over the past year, the SAFE Coral Program Steering Committee, led by Bart Shepherd, Senior Director of Steinhart Aquarium, developed and published a five-year coral conservation plan focusing on restoring seven iconic reefs in South Florida.
I am incredibly proud of all our work to save coral reefs globally, and we do so much more at the Academy. These programs need to continue regenerating vital ocean ecosystems, and you can be a champion for our work by donating today!
In addition, substantial budget cuts to federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are putting our planet, oceans, and museums at risk. Major policy changes are compromising scientific research and the institutions that champion it. You can make a difference by continuing to support institutions like ours that conduct this important research and fieldwork.
Please consider donating today and be a part of our mission to regenerate the natural world.
Sincerely,
Luiz Rocha, PhD
Curator and Follett Chair, Ichthyology
P.S. All donors will become a part of the Regeneration Circle— a vibrant collective of Academy supporters ready for action and committed to being a force for nature! You will receive regular updates from our scientists, updates and discounts to Academy events, and learn about practical ways to regenerate the planet.
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
