On Tuesday, June 27, members of the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge and SCUBAnauts International joined forces with scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory to plant 500 nursery grown corals near Looe Key.
This event marks the sixth year of a unique coral restoration partnership that enables citizen science volunteers to participate in cutting-edge marine habitat restoration. It will also be the first time the groups have come together since the opening of the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3) at Mote.
“This unique partnership exemplifies SCUBAnauts’ primary goal, which is to inspire our teens to develop empowering leadership skills, make informed decisions and build character,” said Paul Foisy, President & CEO of SCUBAnauts International. “As much as our veteran mentors influence our youth, I believe that our ‘Nauts’ capability, dedication and passion can inspire our veterans just the same. These two seemingly different groups come together to embolden each other to make a positive, lasting impact on our environment.”
