Coral Reef Ecosystems
Videos

Coral spawning

Coral spawning in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Every August, the reef-building corals of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary put on a fantastic spawning display. It is one of the most abundant coral spawning displays in the entire Caribbean due to the high density cover of broadcast spawning species. Check it out in our video!

fagatele bay stars

Fagatele Bay, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

Today, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa protects a variety of environments throughout American Samoa. But this sanctuary started out as a tiny, quarter-mile protected area in Fagatele Bay. What makes Fagatele Bay so special? Find out in our video!

fagatele bay stars

Big Momma

In the depths of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa lives Big Momma, one of the largest coral heads in the world. What will you and your community do to help protect amazing corals like this one?

Two divers looking at coral reefs

Restoring Coral Reefs

Staghorn and elkhorn coral have become threatened species. These corals are the building blocks of reefs in the Caribbean and Florida Keys.

Coral reef and fishes

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Take a tour of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary!

Diver looking through the coral reef

NOAA and partners assess reef, aid recovery following Hurricane Irma

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma roared over Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Since then, we've been working with partners to assess the damage and aid in recovery from the storm.

Close up of a coral reef

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Corals? In the Gulf of Mexico? It's true! Dive in with us to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and experience some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world.

Diver looking at the camera

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint

Since 1990, NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has worked with partners and the local community to understand and protect the Keys' critical resources. Now it's time to do more to protect, respond, and recover. This year, the sanctuary will propose a Restoration Blueprint that embodies what we have learned from nearly 30 years of cutting-edge science, technical experience, and local community involvement. Learn more in our video!

Diver working on a coral reef

Celebrating the Expansion of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary!

Time to celebrate! Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary has been expanded from 56 to 160 square miles. The expansion adds 14 additional reefs and banks to the sanctuary, with slight adjustments to the boundaries of the sanctuary's original three banks.

NMS foudation people

Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys

Marine debris is one of the major threats to NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Plastic trash and other garbage can entangle animals, flatten seagrass habitats, and damage corals. Learn more about Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys and how they have helped to protect coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

NMS foudation people

Mission: Iconic Reefs

The Florida Keys need our help: the coral reefs have been damaged by hurricanes, bleaching, disease, and heavy human use. But bold action can change the trajectory of the reefs of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. That's where Mission: Iconic Reefs comes in.