SOAR News Post

Explore recent media coverage, articles, and features highlighting SOAR’s impact on reef restoration and marine conservation.

Assembling living tissue structures

Reef Rubble Structure

Assembling living tissue structures

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SOAR to Launch a New Study Exploring Whether Familiarization Can Improve Diadema antillarum Retention

SOAR is set to begin a new research study to investigate whether Diadema antillarum are more likely to remain at restoration sites when they are familiarized with reef rubble and living tissue structure prior to stocking and then released alongside that structure. Support for this research was provided in part by a contract from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation under Federal Award NA20NMF4630328. This funding will allow our team to explore an idea we have been interested in testing for many years.

The study will utilize Diadema that were collected from larval settlement collectors and grown out within our in-situ nursery systems. These naturally settled juveniles reflect size classes commonly used in restoration efforts and provide an opportunity to evaluate whether familiarization may influence retention under realistic deployment conditions. The approach intentionally focuses on low-cost, low-tech methods that resemble the natural reef environment, avoiding the introduction of artificial structures and emphasizing materials that already occur on the reef.

Retention and survival remain primary limitations in Diadema antillarum restoration, and the outcome of this work is uncertain. The purpose of this research is to determine whether familiarization has the potential to improve Diadema antillarum retention and to better understand whether this approach could support a more effective restocking strategy.

This study is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Florida, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Preparations are currently underway, including material staging and early project setup. This work represents a meaningful step toward advancing Diadema antillarum restoration practices and supporting the long-term recovery of reef ecosystems in the Florida Keys and the greater Caribbean region.

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SOAR Launches First Sea Urchin Nursery in the Bahamas

In July 2025, SOAR traveled to the Bahamas to kick off a new project funded by the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation: the establishment of the first in-situ Sea Urchin Nursery in the Bahamas.

In preparation for this initiative, our team spent multiple days organizing, prepping, and shipping equipment and materials to support our broader research and restoration efforts. Alongside constructing custom grow-out units for the next phase of our reef grazer research, we are also mapping Diadema antillarum genetics in selected areas of New Providence Island. This work provides vital data that supports reef restoration events in partnership with other local initiatives.

Once preparations were complete, we headed underwater to transport and assemble limestone rock piles, creating complex reef-like structures that will serve as habitat for the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum). Throughout the visit, we also connected with visitors to share the critical role these keystone grazers play in maintaining healthy coral reefs. Through hands-on activities, guests learned how Diadema help control algal growth, providing clean substrate for corals to grow and thrive.

This milestone marks an exciting step forward in expanding SOAR’s restoration efforts and promoting the ecological recovery of Caribbean reef systems.

Wildlife Nation with Jeff Corwin Expedition Florida

SOAR was featured in this episode as Jeff Corwin visited our in-situ nursery to highlight the critical role long-spined sea urchins play in restoring Florida’s coral reefs.

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SOAR Participates in Coral Reef Learning Exchange in UAE

In February 2025, SOAR founder Jim Brittsan joined coral restoration leaders from across the U.S. for the Coral Reef Learning Exchange in the United Arab Emirates, hosted by the UAE Embassy.

The exchange included site visits to leading conservation initiatives in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah. Highlights included observing Diadema setosum utilizing Acropora reef structure—an exciting example of ecosystem connectivity in action—and learning how international partners are adapting restoration strategies to local environmental challenges.

This collaborative effort supports global knowledge-sharing and strengthens SOAR’s mission to advance in-situ herbivore restoration across the Caribbean.

KML staff and SOAR intern Eva Phair (right) prepare corals for transport to SOAR's offshore nursery.

Photograph: Key's Marine Lab

KML staff and SOAR intern Eva Phair (right) prepare corals for transport to SOAR's offshore nursery.

Photograph: Key's Marine Lab

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SOAR is featured in The Guardian:

"Scientists seek to save Florida’s dying reefs with hardy nursery-grown coral"

SOAR was recognized in The Guardian's May 2025 article spotlighting collaborative efforts to save Florida’s reefs. As one of several partners receiving The Florida Aquarium's nursery-grown elkhorn corals, SOAR is proud to contribute to this large-scale restoration push—part of a unified response to unprecedented coral loss following record ocean heat.
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