Reef Restorations is a non-profit organization that was founded as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. We’ve all seen images and videos of the devastation the oil spill is causing to the fragile ecosystems above the water. But what about the ecosystem below the water that provides nourishment and support of many of the species living in the gulf? The underwater oil plumes along with the chemicals being used to disperse them are literally sucking the oxygen out of the water. The damage that these have or will cause to the existing coral reefs and all of the life that they support will be catastrophic.
Current projections for the amount of oil that will be spilled before this is over is abysmal. This, coupled with the currents and the hurricanes prone to hit the area, and the coral reefs in the gulf don’t have much hope of survival. This oil spill has the potential to affect coral reefs and their inhabitants from the gulf coast states down to the Florida Keys and possibly even Bermuda. So what is the answer? What can possibly be done about the current situation? Other than what is currently being done to stop the oil flow and disperse what is in the water, there is not much that can be done. The coral reefs and their inhabitants are destined to have to ride this out. But there is a way that the coral reef eco-systems can be preserved. Reef Restorations is currently working on setting up multiple coral farms from Virginia down to Florida and in all of the Gulf Coast states. By preserving and growing corals, breeding fish and invertebrates, fostering the population of amphipods and copepods, and any other species that can be captive bred, we can help to replace the reef wildlife that will be decimated by this tragedy. The waters of the Gulf will not be suitable to support this kind of life again for years. During the time that the water is recovering we will be growing all of the wildlife we can to repopulate these ecosystems and get them back to normal. As with anything of this size, substantial financial resources are required as well contributions of the wildlife that lives there. Please find it in your heart to help get these ecosystems back to normal. If you wish to make a monetary contribution Click Here. If you have coral, fish, invertebrates or rock you would like to donate Click Here. The solution to this tragedy will not happen overnight. But with your help, we can get on the right track to making sure that a recovery will be possible in the future. If you would like to contact us please e-mail us at support@reefrestoration.org.