SAS Project: Coral Reef Conservation Program

This page profiles an individual project associated with the Trash Free Waters South Atlantic Strategy (SAS). For additional information about this effort, or to get involved, please reach out to the project contact identified below.

On this page:

• Key Information
• Detailed Project Information

Detailed Project Information

Description: The Reef Relief Coral Reef Conservation Program will improve public understanding and support of coral reef, ocean and coastal issues, and initiatives. It will enhance and complement activities and programs that the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe County, and the City of Key West use to support and promote local stewardship of marine resources.

Project Partners: Not specified.

Current Project Outcomes: 

• Tracking the number of volunteers at each cleanup, and the marine debris collected through photos, and weight measurements.
• Keeping records of the dates and locations of each event.
• Tracking the number of volunteers participating in the program.

Long-Term Project Outcomes: 

• Organize and administer marine conservation volunteer programs. These volunteer activities will be partnered with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Keys Wildlife Refuges, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Monroe County, City of Key West, Key West High School, College of the Florida Keys, other nonprofits, the local business community, and other student groups.
• Recruit over 200 volunteers.
• Coordinate 7 community marine debris removal events. Educate residents and visitors on the impacts that stormwater, single use plastics, and certain harmful sunscreen ingredients has on nearshore waters and ways they can minimize their personal impacts.
• Recruit volunteers to stencil 1,000 stormdrains in Key West.
• Ask Florida Keys businesses to reduce their impact of single use plastics by signing a pledge and displaying educational materials to go straw free.
• Helping local businesses to transition products over to safe sunscreens by signing a pledge and displaying educational materials.