Photo: Joe Marino
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SEFCRI?
The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative brings together marine resource professionals, scientists, and many other knowledgeable members of the community in order to cooperatively develop strategies to protect southeast Florida’s coral reefs, with emphasis on the balance between resource use and protection.
In what areas of Florida does SEFCRI work?
The targeted area is coral reefs and associated reef resources from Miami-Dade County, through Broward and Palm Beach Counties, to Martin County.
What is the main goal of SEFCRI?
To develop an effective strategy to preserve and protect southeast Florida’s coral reefs and associated reef resources, emphasizing balance between resource use and protection, in cooperation with all interested parties.
Where can we see the work that SEFCRI is doing?
Past and current SEFCRI projects include, but are not limited to, the creation of maps, online database tools, and phone applications that show people where the reefs are and where mooring buoys are so they know where to safely anchor without damaging corals, providing workshops that encourage divers and fishers to exercise “reef friendly” practices, working with local schools to develop coral reef curriculum that can be used in the classroom, encouraging the reduction of plastic use in local businesses, spreading awareness on the use of coral safe sunscreens, water quality monitoring near southeast Florida’s inlets, and organizing and supporting both beach and reef cleanups. More details about projects are included in the comprehensive list of all SEFCRI projects.
How can I participate in the projects SEFCRI is doing?
There are many opportunities to become actively involved, and many SEFCRI projects are strengthened by efforts from our community! Our citizen science reporting program SEAFAN, reef and beach cleanups, the reef ambassador program, and others all provide great ways to learn more about the marine environment as well as provide valuable services and information to help protect it. Any inquiries can be sent to Coral@dep.state.fl.us.