The Mission: Iconic Reefs restoration plan incorporates a phased implementation approach over 20 years across seven reefs. Phase 1, designed to increase coral cover from two to 15 percent in the first 10 years, initially focused on fast-growing acroporid corals like elkhorn and staghorn, while beginning to incorporate resilient corals of other slower growing varieties. But the 2023 summer heat event proved difficult for acroporid species. At the same time, bouldering corals fared relatively well, convincing managers to speed up implementation of slower-growing species like star and brain corals.

The phased plan allows active restoration to begin immediately while allowing for ongoing research and development. Phase 1B can operate concurrently with Phase 1A and will improve diversity on the reef by restoring star, brain,and pillar corals as well as supplementing long-spined sea urchins and Caribbean king crab. By the end of Phase 2, coral cover will be restored to an average of 25%.