A Shared Vision for Coral Reef Recovery
Together, ORAI and RDC are working to:
- Educate and inspire the public about coral reef ecosystems and ocean conservation
- Conduct cutting-edge research on coral biology, resilience, and restoration techniques
- Scale marine restoration efforts through land-based coral aquaculture and outplanting
- Create accessible pathways for students, scientists, and the public to participate in restoration
This builds on the original vision of RDC as a coral lab and education center, while expanding its impact through ORAI’s operational leadership, restoration technologies, and global network.
How the Partnership Works
Operational Leadership & Facility Activation
ORAI serves as the operator of record, managing day-to-day operations, programming, staffing, research systems, and regulatory compliance to ensure the facility meets the highest standards for safety, animal care, and impact.
RDC, founded by Dr. Kirk Dotson, is contributing to the strategic vision.
A Dual-Purpose Facility: Science + Public Engagement
The partnership creates a two-part integrated model:
- Reef Discovery Center (Public-Facing Experience) and WeRestore Coral Lab (Powered by ORAI)
- A scalable coral restoration and research facility
- Supports scientists, universities, and practitioners
- Enables coral grow-out, experimentation, and restoration at scale
- Functions as a collaborative “co-working space” for marine restoration innovation
- Interactive exhibits, aquariums, and coral displays
- Education programs, workshops, and outreach
- Hands-on restoration experiences for visitors
- A platform to connect people directly to ocean conservation
Scaling Restoration Through Innovation
A core pillar of the partnership is scaling restoration beyond traditional models. Through ORAI’s technologies and systems:
- Coral can be grown and outplanted efficiently and at scale
- Restoration becomes accessible to non-scientists and community participants
- Facilities can produce tens of thousands of coral fragments annually in controlled environments
This model addresses a major bottleneck in coral restoration: the lack of scalable, cost-effective coral production and deployment systems.
Community Engagement Meets Scientific Impact
Historically, coral restoration has been limited to trained scientists and divers. This partnership changes that by:
- Allowing anyone to participate trainings and future restoration activities
- Training the next generation of ocean stewards and professionals
- Creating meaningful connections between people and reefs
Through ORAI’s programming and RDC’s platform, visitors can go from learning about reefs to actively contributing to their restoration.
A Platform for Collaboration & Growth
The ORAI–RDC partnership is designed as a collaborative ecosystem, bringing together:
- Universities and researchers
- Nonprofits and conservation groups
- Government and restoration programs
- Private sector and blue economy innovators
The facility serves as a launchpad for scalable reef restoration solutions, workforce development, and future marine infrastructure projects.
Why This Partnership Matters
Coral reefs are critical infrastructure for our planet, supporting biodiversity, coastal protection, food security, and economies. Yet they are rapidly declining.
By combining:
- ORAI’s innovation, restoration expertise, and operational leadership
- RDC’s foundation, location, and educational mission
This partnership creates a new model for ocean conservation, one that is:
- Scalable
- Collaborative
- Community-driven
- Scientifically rigorous
