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GUARDIANS

Photo by Jay Clue

An Underwater Experience
You Wonʼt Soon Forget

The effort to put Florida Keys coral reefs on track for recovery is an enormous undertaking, requiring long-term collaboration between many partners. Iconic Reef Guardians is an opportunity for the public to lend a hand.

Harnessing the power of the recreational dive community, Iconic Reef Guardians works with BLUE STAR DIVING OPERATORS to educate and empower scuba divers and snorkelers to become stewards of our iconic reef sites.

Along with a virtual coral reef and restoration training element through the online learning platform, four unique experiences provide opportunities to witness the sensitivity and resilience of the coral reef ecosystem firsthand and contribute to restoration success.

Experiences

Passive Coral
Nursery Experience

Jump into the turquoise blue waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and take a tour of some of the most innovative coral nurseries in the world.

Active Coral
Nursery Experience

Lend a helping hand in the care of nursery corals by completing hands-on maintenance that promotes a safe place for them to grow up.

Reef
Experience

Support coral growth at Mission: Iconic Reef sites by helping with maintenance and care, ensuring they thrive in a safe, healthy environment.

Coral Health
Experience

Dive into Coral Health Experience to help monitor coral bleaching, disease, and resilience and submit vital data to help our scientists assess the health of the reefs.

2024 Schedule

Are YOU interested in helping us restore coral reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary? Contact one of these Iconic Reef Guardians permitted dive shops or organizations to book a dive or snorkel experience and mention that you are interested in helping to restore coral reefs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

If your dive shop or organization would like to take part in Mission: Iconic Reefʼs Iconic Reef Guardians program through Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, contact

Chandler.Wright@noaa.gov

Participating Operators

Conch Republic Divers

Florida Keys Dive Center

Island Ventures

Pirates Cove Watersports

Quiescence Diving Services

Southpoint Divers

Rainbow Reef Dive Center

March 2025

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
February 24, 2025
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February 27, 2025(1 event)
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March 11, 2025(1 event)

Category: General
QUIESCENCE Private Group Learn More

March 11, 2025

Requested for private group

Requested for private group
March 12, 2025(1 event)
March 13, 2025(1 event)
March 14, 2025
March 15, 2025
March 16, 2025(1 event)

Category: General
Conch Republic Divers Learn more

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March 16, 2025

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March 27, 2025(1 event)
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