We answer your most pressing questions…

In this article we’re sharing answers to the questions we get asked the most about Coral Restoration Panama.

• How long has Coral Restoration Panama been in existence?
  We have been operating in reef reconstruction for three years. Coral Restoration Panama was founded in 2015. In fact, we are the only coral/reef restoration project in Panama to date.
• Where are you located?
  Coral Restoration Panama is located in the Bocas Del Toro archipelago off the north east Caribbean-facing coast of Panama in Central America. 
• Are you a for-profit business?
  Nope. We are a 501(c)3 charity organization created for the purpose of rebuilding reefs and coral, while educating local populations on how to conserve and reinvigorate the sea. Coral Restoration Panama is run by a group of volunteers striving to make a difference in the sustainability of the ocean environment in a community desperately in need of assistance.
• What is a coral nursery?
  A coral nursery is where coral clones can be raised and protected from outside forces and competitors. They are both shore based and ocean based. We have both. In this protected state, coral grow as much as 40 times faster than under normal conditions. When they reach a size suitable for transplanting they are returned to the wild. New clones are continuously harvested from the “mother” specimens to replace those transplanted. In outplant area, several specimens with unique qualities that have allowed them to survive are intermingled so that in the natural reproduction process more resilient coral are potentially produced.
• Is this your unique method of coral restoration?
  We have been mentored and tutored by some of the world’s top practitioners; this knowledge does not belong to us alone. We have, however perfected some unique techniques that are being utilized by other restoration facilities.
• What are your plans for 2019?
  Plans for the upcoming year are to create and perfect a system to produce a steady inventory of reef structures, which will give employment to local workers and provide a ready source of reef enhancement structures. We will grow our nursery facility to at least 5000 clones growing in our open ocean facilities and another 2000 growing in our land based systems. We also want to continue our program of education for school kids in the area with organized tours and snorkel trips where they can learn the importance of responsible behavior towards our oceans.
• Can I come visit?
  Oh definitely! You can come and visit us anytime. Bring your swimsuit, the water is wonderful. If you want to help build, install and actually be a part of the process, you should get in touch.
• How can I help?
  Right now we are actively fundraising to fund our budget for 2019. Your financial contributions are tax deductible, and go a long way to helping us rebuild and restore coral reefs in the Caribbean. We welcome your support.