On Tuesday, June 27, members of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge and SCUBAnauts International will join forces with scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory to plant 500 nursery grown corals near Looe Key.

Members of the media are invited to join the trip, though there are only a LIMITED NUMBER of spaces available for media divers and snorkelers. (Details below) Please email nadine@vettedcommunications.com to register your interest and see if spots are still available. Your space will not be confirmed until you’ve spoken with Nadine (239-339-7914).
Members of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge work with Mote scientists and SCUBAnauts youths to help restore a reef in the Florida Keys.

This event, being conducted under Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) permit #2015-163-A1, marks the sixth year of a unique coral restoration partnership that enables citizen science volunteers to participate in cutting-edge marine habitat restoration. It will also be the first time the groups have come together since the opening of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) at Mote. The IC2R3 is advancing coral reef research using new seawater systems, raceways and experimental tanks for studying the effects of rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification on multiple species. The Lab is also equipped for next generation genomic sequencing and analyses that will help uncover the best genetic strains of corals for reef restoration and more.

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