At Marine Conservation Costa Rica, we are thrilled to share an incredible milestone—since January 2025, our team of dedicated staff, interns, and volunteers has successfully planted 1,000 coral colonies on local reefs. What makes this achievement even more special is that we reached our annual goal months ahead of schedule.
These new colonies, representing six different coral species, are now thriving in our nurseries and on restored reef sites. Each one plays a crucial role in strengthening marine biodiversity, providing habitat for countless fish and invertebrates, and ensuring that Costa Rica’s coral reefs continue to support the health of our oceans for generations to come.
Why this Milestone matters
Coral reefs are among the most vital ecosystems on Earth. They act as nurseries for marine life, natural barriers against coastal erosion, and providers of food and income for millions of people worldwide.
Planting 1,000 coral colonies may sound like a number, but in reality, it represents a living, breathing future for our oceans. Each coral fragment we grow and transplant has the potential to expand into a healthy reef structure, supporting schools of fish, protecting coastlines, and restoring balance to the underwater world of Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
A Community Effort
This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our interns and volunteers. Each coral fragment planted is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and passion for conservation.
Whether you joined us for a few weeks or several months, your contribution has left a permanent mark on Costa Rica’s reefs.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined our programs this year. Your energy and enthusiasm fuel our mission and inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in coral restoration.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’re inspired by this achievement and would like to join us, there are several ways to get involved:
- 🌊 Directly: Become part of our coral restoration team and gain hands-on experience in marine conservation. You can contact us directly through our contact page or right here.
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🌊 Internships: You can also gain college credit with one of our partners when you complete an internship with us: Find out more through Intern International.
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🤿 Eco Divemaster Program: Take your scuba training to the next level while contributing directly to reef restoration with Oceans Unlimited and our partners at Gapforce
Your journey with us doesn’t just enhance your diving skills—it helps protect and rebuild our ocean ecosystems.
Want to help us? - Adopt a Coral
If you are not a scuba diver or aren’t able to come visit then you can still help us with our coral restoration by taking part in our adopt a coral program.
You can choose to adopt either a colony or a whole reef if you would like and help us continue or work or restoring the reefs of Costa Rica.
Beyond Coral Planting
While coral restoration is at the heart of our work, Marine Conservation Costa Rica is committed to a holistic approach to ocean conservation. Our other projects include:
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📚 Marine education programs with local schools and communities.
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🐠 Reef monitoring and surveys in partnership with global organizations such as REEF.org.
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🌐 3D reef imaging projects, creating digital models to track coral growth and resilience.
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🏝️ Community outreach initiatives that build awareness about marine protection and sustainable ocean practices.
By combining research, education, and restoration, we aim to create lasting change for both marine life and local communities.
Looking Ahead
Reaching our 1,000-colony goal early is not the end—it’s just the beginning. With your continued support, we are excited to push further, expand our nurseries, and strengthen our reefs.
Together, we can ensure that Costa Rica remains a global leader in marine conservation and that our oceans remain vibrant, diverse, and resilient.
To everyone who helped us reach this milestone: thank you. And to those who want to join our mission—there has never been a better time to dive in.
🌊 Join the Mission – Protect Our Oceans
Be part of reef restoration in Costa Rica. Find out more about our progams and projects here.