Whose Reef is it Anyway?

As the Town of Palm Beach considers an $80,000,000 beach renourishmnet project, it's fighting against an extended coral protection zone. At issue: Staghorn Coral. How much is there? At least one marine biologist hired for Palm Beach says there is not enough to warrent protection. Ed Tichenor, from Reef Rescue, and other divers say the coral is thriving in the area and it needs to be protected.

How you can help...

It's not too late, and there are things we can all do. Dive shops in the area are asking divers to help find the location of Staghorn Coral off the coast of Palm Beach. Finding the coral will help make a stronger case for protecting it. If you're a diver, the reward for finding thriving coral is a free dive.

People should continue to ask the Town of Palm Beach for the thoughtful protection of all coral and a thoughtful approach to beach renourishment. Send an email to the town manager: Email: townmanager@townofpalmbeach.com

To find out more...

Overview of the issue: Staghorn coral protection area extension could hinder town's beach nourishment

Updates: Reef Rescue - Coral Reef Blog

FWC: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comission

Palm Beach Moorings: Wildlife Foundation of Florida

TIME.com: What's Killing Florida's Coral Reefs?

Dive Guide: Palm Beach Reefs