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The National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI), homed at Nova Southeastern University, was created by congressional mandate in 1998 and refunded in 2023 with the mission of ensuring the future of the world’s coral reefs and oceans for the benefit of humanity and nature. NCRI is dedicated to advancing coral reef research through collaboration and coordination, focusing on scientific partnerships and knowledge-sharing to address coral reef challenges. This multidisciplinary group of coral reef researchers has expertise from ecology to biology, genetics, and social science. NCRI conducts research to better understand and address the challenges facing the world’s coral reefs and inform best management practices.
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
NCRI aims to conserve and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and human-accelerated changes. NCRI does this by conducting research that supports science-based management, sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems, and innovative solutions that benefit local communities and the nation.
Learn more about NCRI's Science Plan below!
NCRI NEWS
NCRI NEWS
Stay informed about NCRI's latest research, updates, and announcements!
November 6, 2025
NEW Publication: Octocoral Dynamics Over a Decade on Florida’s Coral Reef
NEW Publication: Octocoral Dynamics Over a Decade on Florida’s Coral Reef
Florida's Coral Reefs is changing. While the hard, stony corals that build reef structures have been declining, soft corals called octocorals—including the colorful sea fans, sea whips, and sea rods—are becoming increasingly dominant across Florida's reefs.
October 28, 2025
NEW Publication: Critically Endangered Caribbean Brain Coral Revealed as Two Distinct Lineages
NEW Publication: Critically Endangered Caribbean Brain Coral Revealed as Two Distinct Lineages
Scientists discovered that what was long thought to be a single species of Caribbean brain coral is actually two hidden types that look the same but reproduce in different seasons.
October 22, 2025
NCRI Researchers Document Unusual Coral Bleaching Event on Florida's Coral Reef
NCRI Researchers Document Unusual Coral Bleaching Event on Florida's Coral Reef
NCRI researchers have documented a troubling coral bleaching event off Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach, affecting typically resilient octocorals and signaling potentially significant changes in South Florida’s reef ecosystems due to elevated ocean temperatures.
October 8, 2025
NEW Publication: Ecological Winners and Losers in a Highly Disturbed Coral Reef System
NEW Publication: Ecological Winners and Losers in a Highly Disturbed Coral Reef System
New research explores how repeated disturbances over the past 20 years have transformed southeast Florida’s coral reefs - revealing a shift towards more resilient but less structurally complex communities.
The Dick Dodge NCRI Seminar Series
The Dick Dodge NCRI Seminar Series
Join NCRI for presentations from leading researchers dedicated to the future of coral reefs and ocean ecosystems.
Upcoming:
Upcoming:
*November 18, 3-4pm EST*
*November 18, 3-4pm EST*
The Little Coral Science Project That Could: A Tale of COVID, Extinction, and International Intrigue
The Little Coral Science Project That Could: A Tale of COVID, Extinction, and International Intrigue
Dr. John Parkinson, University of South Florida
In this session, we welcome Dr. John Parkinson to discuss a multi-year collaborative research effort centered on improving acroporid restoration success by uncovering the genetic and ecophysiological basis for coral heat tolerance traits.
Previous:
Previous:
Assessing the Role of Coral Reefs in Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction
Assessing the Role of Coral Reefs in Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction
Dr. Curt Storlazzi, University of California, Santa Cruz
In this session, we welcome Dr. Curt Storlazzi to discuss the role coral reefs play in coastal hazard reduction. Learn how physics-based modeling is being used to identify and optimize coral reef restoration strategies that reduce coastal flooding risks and strengthen community resilience.
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