Would you like to learn more about coral reef restoration? The Mote lab in Key West Florida is looking for Volunteers from in June and July to assist Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory.
The collaborative project between Mote, Florida State Parks, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will work to restore corals at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park while educating people about reefs and asking volunteer “citizen scientists” to help.
Volunteers will assist researchers via snorkel, while also enjoying the replanted coral habitat. Volunteers will be asked to help Mote scientists with nontechnical help such as handing and supplying materials needed to outplant corals while snorkeling, assist with additional photo-monitoring via snorkel, and educating the public about the project.
“This project highlights Mote’s coral reef restoration efforts and the many partners is takes to accomplish our goal of restoring Florida’s coral reefs,” said Dr. David Vaughan, Executive Director of Mote’s lab in the Florida Keys.
Dates volunteers are needed:
Wednesday, June 8
Thursday, June 9
Friday, June 10
Monday, June 13
Tuesday, June 14
In July, Mote is looking for 20 planting days, with confirmed dates published at the end of June.
Please keep in mind that activities are dependent upon weather, waves and visibility underwater.
Up to five volunteers each day can assist both on land and in the water. All volunteers must have their own snorkeling equipment and are responsible for their own safety in the water.
Coral planting will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 2 p.m., but can shift depending upon the tides. Any changes in timing will be emailed to volunteers. The meeting point for the volunteer efforts will be by the Refreshment Center at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park State Park.
If you would like to volunteer for this project, please fill out this Google Form.
If you have any other questions about volunteering at Mote, please contact [email protected].
