Hello, I’m MSc. A. Andrés Morales G. from Living Sea Sculpture, LLC. As the principal biologist of the Cozumel Coral Conservatory (CozCC) coalition in Cozumel, México, I’m excited to share our mission to restore and protect coral reefs. Our coalition is dedicated to increasing coral cover, enhancing marine biodiversity, and strengthening coastal protection in the Villa Blanca coral reef. This area, located outside marine protected zones, faces significant pressure from both local and tourist activity. However, it is also a site of hope, with various artificial reefs and healthy corals already growing, demonstrating the potential for recovery and resilience.

The CozCC coalition brings together a diverse group of experts and organizations, each playing a critical role:

• Living Sea Sculpture (LSS): A leader in artificial reef development using Biorock technology, LSS spearheads the CozCC initiative. • Cozumel Coral Restoration Program (CCRRP) and Conservación y Manejo Ambiental de Cozumel (CIMAC): Local non-profits leading active restoration efforts in the north and south of Villa Blanca reef, respectively. • Sand Dollar Sports Dive Center (SDS): Our operational base, providing tanks and wet lab space. • Wave of Change (by IBEROSTAR hotels): Training our team in sexual reproduction monitoring. • Laboratory of Coral Reef Ecology at CINVESTAV: Providing scientific guidance and permitting for Acropora coral species collection. • MesoReefDAO: A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) supporting coral reef restoration in the Mesoamerican region and serving as a key funding partner for our project.

After careful planning, we’ve selected a site for our marine nursery at a depth of -8 meters, designed module prototypes, and trained our allies to produce 100 fragments of Acroporid corals in 2023-2024. Now, we’re ready to scale up!

This project involves installing two modules in our marine nursery to hold 300 fragments of Acroporid coral species. We will nurture and maintain these corals until January 2026, when we’ll outplant 75% of the surviving colonies to rehabilitate the reef. The remaining 25% will be kept to restock the nursery, ensuring sustainable growth.

The impacts we aim to have:

1. Rescue Genotypic Diversity: Protect Acroporid coral species at risk from bleaching, pollution, and coastal development by preserving their genetic diversity.
2. Build a Sustainable Future: Establish a marine nursery and genetic bank to support the Cozumel Coral Conservatory 2025-30 project, ensuring long-term coral production and reef rehabilitation.
3. Scale Restoration Efforts: Produce a total of 600 fragments of Acroporid species in our nursery (300 at the start and 300 at the end) and outplant 240 colonies in the rehabilitation area, targeting an 80% survivorship rate.

By supporting this project, you’re not just donating—you’re helping us create a lasting impact on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and coastal communities. Together, we can turn the tide for coral reefs and ensure a healthier ocean for future generations.