Coral Restoration Foundation

What Coral Restoration Foundation does

Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tavernier, Florida Keys, that operates the world's largest in-situ coral reef restoration effort. It designs and deploys proprietary Coral Tree nursery structures (Original, Spiral, Mega) across four principal Florida production nurseries (Tavernier, plus three others) totaling nearly 1,000 Coral Trees with capacity to produce 50,000+ reef-ready corals annually and maintain 600+ genotypes across 20 species. Its core technology stack includes CeruleanAI (cloud-based computer vision for automatic photomosaic stitching and AI-assisted coral colony identification), the Coral Sample Registry (a data platform housing 5,011 samples from 71 species across 15 organizations in 5 countries), the Coral Bus (first-of-its-kind coral transport trailer co-developed with Georgia Aquarium), and UZELA (patent-pending zooplankton-attraction light array). The organization also publishes open-access restoration manuals that codify its methodology for outside practitioners.

CRF generates revenue through a diversified nonprofit model: individual donations (one-time, monthly, honorary/memorial, stock, cryptocurrency, legacy/bequests, IRA QCDs, Donor Advised Funds), tiered corporate sponsorships (Staghorn through Ocean levels, including Ocean Reef Club, Disney Conservation Fund, Petco, and Saie), dive and snorkel programs delivered via 10+ partner dive operators under a dual-fee structure (operator fee plus CRF donation), bespoke corporate experiences, and merchandise sales at restorecoral.com. It serves individual donors, corporate partners, government agencies (NOAA, US Interior Department, Florida DEP/FWC, Tourist Development Council), educators and K-12 students, the certified diving community, and a research community engaged via the Coral Restoration Consortium (co-founded with NOAA in 2017 and serving 4,000+ members globally). Geographic operations span Florida, St. Croix USVI (since 2023), Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas USVI, with international knowledge sharing reaching Maldives, Kenya, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and Indonesia.

Name

Coral Restoration Foundation

Legal name

Coral Restoration Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://coralrestoration.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Coral Restoration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 that operates the world's largest in-situ coral reef restoration effort, using proprietary Coral Tree nurseries and AI tools to outplant tens of thousands of corals annually across Florida, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, funded by donors, corporate sponsors, and government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation and Coral Reef Restoration

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Aquaculture (11251)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aquaculture Farm Services & Operations Support (net cleaning, diving, grading, harvesting) (AFAEAAAM), Ecological Restoration Planning & Monitoring (Habitat, Wetland, Stream) (EUAHAHAF), Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH)

Keywords

• Coral reef restoration
• Marine conservation services
• In-situ coral nurseries
• Ocean habitat restoration
• Reef monitoring technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Tavernier

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: CRF generates revenue primarily through individual donations, including one-time donations, monthly recurring donations, and honorary/memorial gifts. Donations can be made online via the website or by mail.
2. Corporate Sponsorships & Giving: Corporate sponsorships offered at multiple tiers (Ocean, Ecosystem, Reef, Thicket, Elkhorn, Staghorn) with varying benefit packages. Corporate giving programs include cause marketing and event partnerships. Multiple corporate sponsors are listed including Ocean Reef Club, Disney Conservation Fund, Petco, Saie, and others.
3. Gifts of Stock: Donors can contribute appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs, receiving an immediate charitable deduction for full market value and avoiding capital gains taxes.
4. Legacy/Planned Gifts: CRF accepts bequests through wills and living trusts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) for donors over age 70.5, and retirement plan beneficiary designations. Tax ID: 65-1054647.
5. Cryptocurrency Donations: CRF accepts over 100 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. Cryptocurrency donations are treated as property by the IRS, making them non-taxable events for appreciated assets.
6. Donor Advised Funds: CRF receives gifts through DAFs established at Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, and other sponsoring organizations.
7. Corporate Experiences: Tailored corporate events including interactive presentations, hands-on workshops, and team-building activities at CRF facilities or client locations. Bespoke programs for hotels, companies, and corporate groups.
8. Dive & Snorkel Programs: Private dive programs for groups, involving coral nursery and reef restoration activities. Participants pay a fee to the dive operator plus a donation to CRF. Snorkel-only programs are also offered.
9. Merchandise Sales: CRF operates an e-commerce store (restorecoral.com) selling branded merchandise ('reef saving swag'). 100% of profits fund the mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Coral Restoration Foundation restores coral abundance and genetic diversity on degraded reefs through in-situ coral nurseries (Coral Tree™ technology), outplanting, and long-term monitoring. It packages this restoration work with proprietary technology tools (CeruleanAI, Coral Sample Registry, Coral Bus), K-12 education programs, corporate experiences, recreational dive programs, and the Coralpalooza community movement, serving individual donors, corporate sponsors, government agencies, researchers, divers, and educators.

Product overview

Coral Restoration Foundation operates as a nonprofit organization focused on coral reef restoration, offering a portfolio of technology products, educational programs, and community engagement services. The core technology offerings include CeruleanAI (cloud-based AI platform for automatic photomosaic stitching and coral analysis), the Coral Sample Registry (standardized database linking coral sample data across organizations), and the Coral Tree™ nursery system (in-situ ocean-based coral growing technology). CRF also provides the Coral Bus for coral transport. Education offerings include activity packs, edutainment workshops, presentations, and teacher training programs. Community programs include Dive & Snorkel Programs, Corporate Experiences, the Exploration Center visitor experience, and the annual Coralpalooza™ global movement. The organization's restoration manuals are freely available for practitioners worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Coralpalooza: Annual global movement celebrating World Oceans Day, mobilizing ocean lovers to take action to restore coral reefs through dive programs and community events.

Products and services

• CeruleanAI Cloud-based AI platform that automates coral reef photomosaic creation and AI-assisted coral colony identification and measurement, used by restoration practitioners and researchers worldwide for large-scale reef monitoring.
• Coral Sample Registry (CSR) Standardized database platform that assigns unique accession numbers to coral samples and enables integration of coral restoration and research data across organizations globally (5,011+ samples, 71 species, 15 organizations, 5 countries).
• Coralpalooza Annual global movement and event celebrating World Oceans Day that mobilizes divers, volunteers, and partner organizations to take action restoring coral reefs through dive events, community nights, bazaars, and educational programming.
• Dive & Snorkel Programs Hands-on recreational SCUBA diving and snorkeling programs that allow certified divers and snorkelers to participate in coral nursery maintenance and reef restoration activities at various experience levels.
• Corporate Experiences Customized corporate events featuring interactive presentations, hands-on workshops, and team-building activities focused on coral reef restoration, delivered at CRF facilities, client locations, or combined with dive/snorkel programs.
• Edutainment Workshops Interactive hour-long learning sessions covering Coral Anatomy, Ooze Olympics, and advanced workshops on engineering and data collection, delivered in-person or virtually for K-12 students.
• Educational Presentations Tailored educational presentations delivered in-person at CRF's Exploration Center or virtually, bringing coral reef restoration education to classrooms, auditoriums, and boardrooms worldwide.
• Inspiring Instruction Teacher Training Teacher training program that equips educators with theatrical presentation techniques, team-building strategies, and edutainment curriculum writing skills to inspire students through creative teaching methods.
• Exploration Center Physical visitor center in Key Largo, Florida, featuring colorful educational panels, audio-visual installations, interactive games, and immersive field trips to coral nurseries and reef restoration sites for families, school groups, and the general public.
• Restoration Merchandise Store E-commerce store (restorecoral.com) selling branded 'reef saving swag' merchandise, with 100% of profits funding the coral restoration mission.
• Vocational Internship Program 4-month full-time vocational internship program for university-level marine science students, with multiple seasonal cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall) of 'polyp' interns in Florida.
• Captain Coral Show Swashbuckling pirate-themed edutainment performance that introduces coral physiology, reef ecology, and ocean stewardship through dramatic chemical reactions and explosive indoor cannons for audiences of all ages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 16,000 corals from 17 species returned to 10 reef sites between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Georgia AquariumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorgia Aquarium collaborated with CRF to design and build the Coral Bus, a first-of-its-kind coral transport technology. Georgia Aquarium is also a Coralpalooza Ecosystem sponsor. Additionally, Shedd Aquarium is listed as a collaborating partner for research and restoration work in Dry Tortugas.
• NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA is a key partner through multiple initiatives: NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program funded the Coral Bus through the Mission: Iconic Reefs Capacity Building Grant. CRF co-founded the Coral Restoration Consortium (CRC) with NOAA in 2017. NOAA scientists collaborate on research publications and spawning research. NOAA provides strategic direction through Mission: Iconic Reefs.
• Mission: Iconic Reefs ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission: Iconic Reefs is a collective initiative uniting NOAA, CRF, Mote Marine Lab, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, TNC (The Nature Conservancy), University of Miami, DEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), Florida Aquarium, Reef Renewal, FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), and University of Florida under a phased plan to restore corals and lost herbivores to Florida's Coral Reef. CRF is the lead restoration implementer.
• Mote Marine LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMote Marine Lab is a land-based gene bank partner for CRF's coral genotypes, managing two land-based facilities. It is a member of the Mission: Iconic Reefs consortium. Mote is also a recipient of CRF spawning gametes for coral propagation research.
• The Reef InstitutesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Reef Institute is a land-based gene bank partner for CRF's coral genotypes, managing two land-based facilities alongside Mote Marine Lab.
• Dr. Andréa G. Grottoli, Ohio State UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRF is testing UZELA (Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array) in its Tavernier Coral Tree Nursery. UZELA is a patent-pending technology (PCT/US2023/078357) that uses light to attract zooplankton as a food source for corals.
• Sustainable Oceans and Reefs (SOAR)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRF collaborates with SOAR on a project focused on maximizing larval settlement of the long-spine black sea urchin Diadema antillarum at CRF's Tavernier and Carysfort nurseries. SOAR deploys bioball streamers at CRF nursery locations.
• University of AlbertasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRF collaborates with University of Alberta on hydroacoustic techniques to assess structural complexity of coral reefs where corals are outplanted. Underwater microphones capture reef sounds to determine correlation between acoustic complexity and reef health.
• NOAA Coral Reef Conservation ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA CRCP collaborated on the development of the Coral Sample Registry, helping establish industry standards for coral collection metadata. NOAA is a key research partner and funder for CRF's work.
• FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFWC collaborated on the Coral Sample Registry development and is a research partner. Also part of the Mission: Iconic Reefs consortium. FWC is exploring trials of small structures for specific coral species pending FKNMS and FWC approval.
• Shedd AquariumsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerShedd Aquarium collaborates with CRF on coral restoration efforts in the Dry Tortugas. Research collaborations include Dr. Ross Cunning's thermal tolerance work using CBASS technology on CRF coral genotypes.
• Ocean Reef ClubcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOcean Reef Club is an Ocean Sponsor of CRF and hosts CRF team members. Lauren Mouse, VP of Finance at Ocean Reef Club, serves on CRF's Board of Directors. Richard Weinstein, President & COO of Ocean Reef Community Foundation, also serves on the Board. Ocean Reef Club is a key community partner in the Florida Keys.
• Nova Southeastern UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNova Southeastern University manages a redundant in-situ gene bank in Broward for CRF. Researchers from NSU have co-authored publications with CRF staff on coral spawning, genomic patterns, and restoration ecology.
• NOAA National Marine Fisheries ServicesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA NMFS collaborated on the Coral Sample Registry development and is a research partner providing scientific expertise on coral species and restoration science.
• SECORE InternationalsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSECORE International collaborated on the development of the Coral Sample Registry, contributing to establishing industry standards for coral collection metadata.
• AGRRA (Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGRRA is a current partner of the Coral Sample Registry, using the platform to integrate coral data across restoration organizations.
• Thriving IslandssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRF St. Croix is planning a collaboration with Thriving Islands for a third nursery location at Butler Bay, which would serve as a genebanking location for elkhorn corals.
• Sharkbanz and Parks ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSharkbanz and Parks Project are listed as partners featured in CRF St. Croix Instagram content, with Sharkbanz credited for video production at the Long Reef restoration site.
• NOAA FisheriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOAA Fisheries has collaborated on coral spawning research with CRF, including the 2021 Quicklook Report on Coral Spawning activities and observations. Dr. Margaret Miller from NOAA has conducted research on disease susceptibility of Acropora spp. corals using CRF nurseries.
• Florida International UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearchers from Florida International University (Dr. Eirin-Lopez, Dr. Martell) have collaborated with CRF on thermal stress hardening research for coral restoration using both lab and field experiments.
• University of MiamisecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple collaborations with University of Miami researchers including David Ehrens on coral immune responses, Kelsey Johnson-Sapp on thermal tolerance using CBASS, Taylor Gill on genotype movement between nurseries, and Joseph Henry on coral nursery growth and outplanting success.
• Northeastern University (Dr. Steven Vollmer)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Steven Vollmer from Northeastern University explores how CRF staghorn genotypes react to disease and provides haplotype information for Caribbean Acroporids to assist with tracking outplanting success.
• Penn State University (Dr. Iliana Baums)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Iliana Baums from Penn State has performed genotypic SNP research on Caribbean Acroporids to resolve populations and hybrids, assisting with selecting genotypes for restoration.
• Florida AquariumsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida Aquarium participates in CRF spawning research, successfully rearing coral recruits for outplanting. The Florida Aquarium is part of the Mission: Iconic Reefs consortium.
• Capital Coral (Dr. Michael Gerdes)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Michael Gerdes of Capital Coral has conducted multiple research collaborations with CRF on fire coral for biofouling reduction, Porites astreoides reproduction in nurseries, and biofouling prevention on nursery plugs.
• USGSsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristina Kellogg from USGS investigated whether the SCTLD (Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease) pathogen is bacterial, viral, or other, using boulder coral Orbicella faveolata from CRF nurseries as test specimens.
• SEZARC (Linda Penfold)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSEZAR (Zoological Research) investigated gamete reproductive success using cryopreservation techniques and improved post-thaw viability for Acropora cervicornis using CRF coral samples.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Reef Renewal Foundation: Nonprofit operating large-scale coral nurseries and outplanting programs globally (Florida, Bonaire, Indonesia, etc.). Directly comparable to CRF as a peer-scale restoration nonprofit using in-situ nurseries and partner dive operators.
• Coral Vita: Commercial coral restoration company using land-based aquaculture to grow climate-resilient corals for outplanting and reef restoration projects in the Caribbean. Comparable mission and restoration methodology, but with a for-profit, commercial delivery model.
• SECORE International: Nonprofit focused on coral reef restoration through sexual reproduction and assisted evolution; co-developed industry standards that informed the Coral Sample Registry. Comparable as a science-driven restoration peer.
• Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme: Corporate-funded coral restoration effort in Indonesia running large-scale reef rehabilitation and partnering with local communities. Comparable scale and methodology to CRF but operates primarily in the Indo-Pacific under corporate rather than nonprofit stewardship.

Broad incumbents

• Mote Marine Laboratory: Major marine science institution managing CRF's gene bank partner facilities and co-implementer on Mission: Iconic Reefs. Comparable as a broader research-and-restoration incumbent pursuing land-based coral breeding alongside outplanting.
• The Nature Conservancy: Global environmental NGO co-implementing Mission: Iconic Reefs with CRF and a major funder across marine conservation. Comparable as a broad-based conservation organization operating in the same reef restoration space, but at much larger scale and scope.
• Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL): International nonprofit focused on coral reef conservation through science, policy, and community partnerships. Comparable in mission and global scope but with a conservation-policy orientation rather than active nursery restoration.

Regional players

• Fragments of Hope: Belize-based nonprofit restoring elkhorn and staghorn corals using in-situ nurseries and community engagement. Highly comparable methodology but operates primarily in Belize rather than the Caribbean/Florida Keys.

Others

• National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Core funding partner for CRF, channeling NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program grants (including Mission: Iconic Reefs Capacity Building Grant that funded the Coral Bus). Not a direct competitor but a key ecosystem participant and grant conduit.

Emerging players

• Reef Resilience Network: Global community-of-practice network supporting reef managers and restoration practitioners with training, resources, and knowledge sharing. Comparable as a capacity-building and knowledge-aggregation player adjacent to CRF's Coral Restoration Consortium and Learning Exchange programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/coralcrf
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/CoralRestorationFoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/CoralRestorationFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coral-restoration-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/coralrestorationfoundation/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Coral Restoration Foundation