During a recent government meeting, Lanita Fix, the executive director of the Reef Institute, delivered an informative presentation on the critical state of coral reefs and the organization's efforts in conservation. The Reef Institute, the only coral conservation organization in Palm Beach County, has been actively involved in coral education, research, and restoration since its inception in 2018.

Fix highlighted the alarming decline of Florida's coral reefs, which are estimated to have only 2-5% of their original health remaining due to factors such as disease and coral bleaching. She emphasized the importance of coral reefs, which occupy less than 1% of ocean space yet support 25% of marine life and play a vital role in Florida's economy.

The presentation detailed the Reef Institute's \"rescue to reef\" approach, which includes rescuing endangered coral species, reproducing them in controlled environments, and eventually outplanting them back into the ocean. Fix noted that the organization has successfully outplanted corals on four occasions, collaborating with local environmental agencies to restore reefs in their own backyard.

In addition to local efforts, the Reef Institute is also focused on community development in the Caribbean, aiming to empower local stakeholders to take charge of their marine environments. Fix announced plans for the organization to expand its facilities significantly, increasing from 3,000 to 23,000 square feet, which will make it one of the largest coral facilities in North America.

The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, where Fix clarified misconceptions about coral bleaching, explaining that it is a stress response of corals to environmental changes, particularly rising temperatures. The Reef Institute's work is crucial not only for the preservation of coral species but also for the overall health of marine ecosystems in Florida and beyond.