 | Thank you
Acknowledgements The Coral Nursery Project was made possible through the support of the Mark Collins, Jr. Memorial Fund. Our thanks to the family and friends of Mr. Collins who established this fund in his memory. It is first-hand knowledge of change on the coral reef that led to the awareness and motivation to secure broken fragments of storm damaged elkhorn coral after the Ground Hog Day Storm of 1998. After documenting the extensive damage that occurrred at Western Sambo Reef Craig Quirolo, became concerned. The many fragments of broken coral generated by the storm would not survive unless they were stabilized. He contacted Harold Hudson PHD., restoration biologist at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary , who had experience in coral reef restoration. Harold suggested we use his Coral Rosette method for this project. His direction and guidance in this project is especially appreciated as is the support of G.P. Schmahl, Lower Keys Manager of the FKNMS, John Halas, of the Upper Keys Region of the sanctuary, and Judi Halas. The mission of the Coral Nursery is to rescue pieces of storm-damaged Elkhorn coral that would have otherwise died. This has been a community-based effort in coral reef restoration. With appropriate supervision, a brief training session, and a preliminary orientation prior to entering the water, we have established that small teams including volunteers can accomplish a lot in terms of restoring corals that have been damaged by storms. Under the direction of Craig Quirolo, Reef Relief mobilized a volunteer force eager to help protect the reef and the project began. Special thanks is due to all of the volunteers who have been a part of this project, especially Dave Liggett of the Columbus Zoo, Clyde Hensley, Bill Reese, Mel Eaton, Sharona Setlock, John Maceli, Joe Hubchenko, and the Reef Relief team that participated, including Michael Blades and DeeVon Quirolo. We hope to continue these efforts at coral reef restoration.
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