CORAL NURSERY
Help Restore Roatan’s Reefs
Dive into coral restoration with RIMS and Anthony’s Key Resort. Learn about our nursery and join a maintenance dive during your stay.
CORAL REEF RESTORATION • ROATAN INSTITUTE FOR MARINE SCIENCES
The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, in collaboration with Anthony’s Key Resort, is dedicated to preserving the precious genetic diversity of staghorn and elkhorn corals on Roatan Island. Through this coral nursery and reef restoration program, the institute and resort work tirelessly to rejuvenate the island’s shallow reefs.
By cultivating corals in offshore nurseries, the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences and Anthony’s Key Resort can clip and transplant new colonies onto deteriorating reefs. Over 2000 coral fragments currently thrive in the nursery, and multiple transplantations are already underway.
To raise awareness of the importance of reefs and involve guests in conservation efforts, the institute and resort seek volunteer divers to visit the coral nursery, assist with maintenance tasks, and help restore these vital ecosystems.
Join the dedicated team at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences and Anthony’s Key Resort and become a coral restoration diver. If you’re interested in participating in a maintenance dive, please sign up at the dive shop during your stay. If you want to learn more, please use the form below to contact us.
AKR / RIMS Coral Nurseries & Reef Restoration
1,622
Coral Fragments Restored
2020-2026
Coral reefs provide essential habitat for marine life, protect coastlines, and support the communities and tourism industries that depend on healthy marine ecosystems. Through the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS), Anthony’s Key Resort contributes to coral reef restoration by recovering naturally broken or fragmented corals and giving them an opportunity to grow in a protected nursery environment.
Coral Nursery
Where Our Coral Nursery Is Located
The coral nursery is located off the northwestern coast of Roatan, directly in front of Anthony’s Key, within the Sandy Bay–West End marine protection area. The program uses underwater nursery structures to cultivate small coral fragments. These fragments are maintained as they grow and can eventually be transplanted to suitable reef locations. The objective is to help restore coral populations and support the recovery of reef structure, ecological function, and important coral species.
How Our Coral Nursery Works
Recovered coral fragments are placed on underwater structures known as coral trees, where they are maintained and nurtured as they grow. Once ready, the corals are relocated to the reef, helping restore important coral populations and strengthen the surrounding reef ecosystem. The program also creates opportunities for education and hands-on conservation. Visiting university groups and volunteer guests have assisted with nursery maintenance, connecting marine education with active reef restoration.
RECOVERY
(1) Naturally broken or fragmented corals are recovered.
NURSERY STRUCTURE
(2) Coral fragments are placed on underwater coral trees.
CORAL FRAGMENTS
(3) Staghorn Coral
CORAL FRAGMENTS
(4) Elkhorn Coral
ONGOING CARE
(5) Cleaning and Maintenance
CORAL OUTPLANTING
(6) Site Preparation
CORAL OUTPLANTING
(7) Student Assisted
CORAL OUTPLANTING
(8) Staghorn Coral Secured with Underwater Epoxy
GROWTH CHECK
(9) Staghorn Coral Growth
Coral Restoration in Action
Visiting students take part in hands-on coral restoration alongside the RIMS team, helping outplant coral fragments onto Roatan’s reef. Experiences like these combine marine science education with active participation in reef conservation.
1,622 Coral Fragments Restored
From 2020 through 2026, 1,622 coral fragments were restored through the RIMS coral restoration program, including Acropora palmata (elkhorn coral) and Acropora cervicornis (staghorn coral). These restoration efforts are complemented by educational initiatives designed to increase awareness and encourage the conservation of coral reef ecosystems.
Our reefs need your help.
Sign up & dive for a worthy cause today!