Palm Beach County Reef Rescue

Reef Rescue is a volunteer, non-profit, grassroots conservation organization dedicated to protecting the coral reef resources of South Florida. Reef Rescue is made up of members of the SCUBA diving community and other individuals who share a common concern for the coastal environment. The organization was originally founded by Palm Beach County divers but the membership now ranges worldwide, representing every walk of life with one common theme; a commitment to protect the imperiled coral reef resources for future generations.

As divers, we have the unique ability to view our underwater world firsthand and sometimes what we see is quite disturbing. Our divers have documented damage to the coastal environment and coral reefs from sewage discharges, siltation and burial from construction projects and physical damage to our reefs from illegally anchored vessels. We have successfully utilized the data we gather to make a difference.

Working with local agencies Reef Rescue has documented a link between inadequately treated sewage discharge and coral killing algal blooms and eventually testified before the Florida Legislature to help pass legislation to end the discharge of 350,000,000 gallons of partially treated sewage daily into Southeast Florida’s Coastal waters.

Reef Rescue divers monitor compliance on beach renourishment projects and work with FDEP to begin enforcement action when necessary.

Our work with the Marine Industry Association negotiating language establishing penalties for anchoring on coral reefs ultimately helped lead to the passage of the 2009 Florida Coral Reef Protection Act.

Our divers have mapped previously unknown locations of ESA protected staghorn (Acropora) coral colonies in Palm Beach County and working with the National Marine Fisheries Service, Reef Rescue helped author a recovery plan for the ESA listed Acropora corals.

We are involved in many projects to protect Florida’s coastal environment.

But we can’t do it without your support.

Please visit the Palm Beach County Reef Rescue Website for more information and get involved!

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