- DISCOVERY Vessels HammerCatch I & II
Coral Sampling with the Coral Reef Futures Lab
- November 3, 2025
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Project Overview
Florida’s Coral Reef, the only coral barrier reef system in North America, has lost more than 90% of its coral cover due to disease, pollution, overfishing, coastal development, and, most critically, climate change. Amid this decline, scientists and conservationists across the state are leading restoration and resilience efforts to protect what remains of this vital ecosystem.
The events of this expedition were also captured for an upcoming documentary film, produced by Actual Films, that will spotlight several of these efforts.
Application
The data collected during this expedition will support ongoing research by the Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami, which focuses on understanding how corals recover from bleaching events and other environmental stressors. By analyzing which symbiotic algae recolonize corals following bleaching, researchers aim to better understand the mechanisms that influence coral resilience.
This information contributes to broader conservation efforts by helping identify coral species and symbiont pairings that may be more tolerant to rising ocean temperatures and disease. Through these insights, the Coral Reef Futures Lab can help guide future management and protection strategies for Florida’s Coral Reef.
Expedition Summary
On Monday, November 3rd, The International SeaKeepers Society coordinated vessel support for researchers from the Coral Reef Futures Lab and the film crew aboard HammerCatch I and II through the DISCOVERY Program. During the outing, researchers collected genetic samples from a variety of coral species to analyze which symbiotic algae were recolonizing corals recovering from recent bleaching events.
Meanwhile, the film crew documented the expedition, capturing footage of reef conditions and restoration work as part of a larger initiative currently in development. The collaboration demonstrates how SeaKeepers vessels continue to bridge the gap between science and storytelling—bringing critical ocean research to broader audiences while advancing the understanding and protection of coral reef ecosystems.
All work was conducted under research permit FWC SAL-24-2243F-SCRP.
Location
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Duration of Project
This was a single-day outing, but part of ongoing efforts by the Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami, established in 2005 by Dr. Andrew Baker.
Research Team
- Fabrizio Lepiz Conejo, PhD Candidate, Coral Reef Futures Lab
- Caroline Dennison, PhD, Coral Reef Futures Lab
- Josh Harden, MPS Intern, Coral Reef Futures Lab
- Julianna Kopp, MPS Intern, Coral Reef Futures Lab
- Joanna Rudnick, Producer, Actual Films
- Shireen Rahimi, PhD, Underwater Videographer
- Isaac Mead- Long, Actual Films
- Joel Hernandez, Actual Films
- Rachel Silverstein, Miami Waterkeeper
- Matt Lever, DSO, Sea Experience
- Karley Feather
- Aubri Keith, Underwater Photography, The International SeaKeepers Society
- Rosie Moore, The International SeaKeepers Society
Partner Sites
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