From an empty patch of reef to a new beginning 🪸✨ What looks like just a few small corals is actually the start of something big. These young corals were grown in our land based nursery and carefully outplanted onto what was once just bare reef bottom, bringing life to a quiet stretch of ocean. As they grow, they’ll begin to build habitat for fish and other marine life, helping to restore the balance of this vital ecosystem. Restoration takes time, care, and collaboration. A huge thank you to our amazing partners and supporters who made this possible! Every outplant is a step toward a healthier and more resilient ocean 💙 📸 Derick Walker of @walkwildfilms #coralreef #coralconservation #ocean #thereefinstitute #westpalmbeach (fb)

Corals are animals and they act like it 🪸 These two pillar corals are great examples of how dynamic corals can be. One appears smooth and still with its tentacles retracted. The other is fluffy and feeding, with tentacles extended. Corals pull their tentacles in for all kinds of reasons—light changes, water movement, or even just a gentle nudge. It is part of how they interact with the world around them. At The Reef Institute, we care for threatened species like Dendrogyra cylindrus in our living biobank to protect their future. Help us by spreading awareness or following along as we work to restore our reefs. #TheReefInstitute #togetherwesavetheocean #coralreefs #pillarcoral #palmbeachcounty #aquarium (fb)