Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI) log with white background

Coral Reef Conservation

CWORI is dedicated to restoring coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands by propagating resilient corals, enhancing genetic diversity, and rebuilding reef ecosystems.

Building Reef Resilience in a Changing Ocean

an underwater image of infected coral

In the past 50 years,Coral reefs are vanishing at an unprecedented rate, and saving these vital ecosystems requires increased human intervention. One method of combating reef decline is through coral restoration, a process of rebuilding damaged reefs by repopulating them with more resilient corals and reducing organisms that compete with corals for habitat space. CWORI aims to leverage and expand upon ongoing coral reef restoration efforts in the U.S Virgin Islands to improve local coral reef resiliency in the face of anticipated future environmental conditions.

an underwater image of infected coral
underwater image of a woman in scuba gear taking survey notes of diseased coral

Our Coral Restoration

Part of CWORI’s coral restoration process involves propagating essential reef-building corals asexually from ex-situ and in-situ nurseries and outplanting these fragments at critically degraded reef tracks around the territory. To support the viability of newly established corals, CWORI outputs keystone herbivorous grazers on reefs to mitigate the impacts of increased macroalgae coverage. Our work expands coral species diversity and abundance by propagating and translocating resilient stony corals and complementary herbivores across reefs in the USVI. Through collaboration with local agencies, organizations, and the community, CWORI currently has projects actively restoring reefs at Coki Point and within the Virgin Islands National Park.
a collage of 4 images of scuba divers treating diseased coral

In 2023, CWORI launched the Coral Genetic Rescue Propagation Ark to protect coral species from local extinction on our reefs. In the face of reef threats, the Ark allows us to rescue, treat, and care for sick and stressed corals, giving them a second chance to survive and support future restoration efforts.

Through the Ark, CWORI also focuses on sexual propagation, increasing genetic diversity to build stronger, more resilient coral populations. Home to threatened and endangered species like Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), the Ark is supported by six advanced life support systems, the first of their kind in the territory, allowing us to protect, propagate, and gene-bank corals while supplying future generations of corals for restoration at Coki Point.

HELP PROTECT OUR CORAL REEFS
CWORI offers many ways to help protect our marine environment.
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