Reef Discovery Center WeRestore Lab
The Reef Discovery Center’s WeRestore Lab is a collaborative initiative with Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) to build a world‑class coral restoration and education facility in Fort Lauderdale. This project will serve South Florida by growing coral for reef‑building projects, advancing marine research and giving visitors a hands‑on experience with Florida’s coral reefs. Together with ORAI’s pioneering WeRestore program, our lab will propagate threatened stony corals, host interactive exhibits and workshops, and support regional restoration partners. Donations to the lab directly support coral grow‑out systems, scientific research and community outreach. ORAI is the primary operating partner for our WeRestore Lab, providing scientific expertise, restoration protocols and global network, while RDC supplies the facility and community outreach. Donations to RDC’s lab support both organizations’ shared mission. Special thanks go to Shelby Thomas, PhD (ORAI CEO & Director of Research) for initiating this collaboration.
For more information, email info@reefcenter.org
Reef Discovery Center Scientific Divers
Volunteer citizen-scientist diver support team for the Reef Discovery Center and South Florida Community Coral Nursery Program. In June 2023, the RDC began offering diving certifications through the prestigious American Academy of Underwater Scientists.
Photo by Stephen Frink
SFAEP/UFI/CCA/S&S/Port Everglades Community Oyster Gardening Program
Using natural resources to preserve nature, we are partnering with the South Florida Association of Environmental Professionals, Urban Farming Institute, Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Marine Discovery Center’s Shuck & Share Program, and the Tiki Tiki restaurant in Dania Beach to stuff shucked oyster shells into netted bags so waterway residents can help filter pollutants in our canals and channels by hanging the bags from their docks and seawalls. We are hanging them from the Port’s docks, too.
Donations Welcome
The Ocean Rescue Alliance International is a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that implements innovative techniques to restore marine environments. We use artificial structures to enhance marine environments, build marine habitats, conduct restoration, protect coastlines, and connect communities through art.