NSU's National Coral Reef Institute Named Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute by NOAA

Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) has been officially designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute - a distinction earned through a highly competitive, national selection process among leading research institutions across the Atlantic basin.

Established through a cooperative agreement, the designation includes increased federal funding for coral reef research and positions NCRI as a central coordinating hub for research and restoration projects supporting natural resource management across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NCRI's selection reflects a proven track record in leading coral reef research and conservation, including pioneering work in identifying the drivers of reef decline and advancing innovative coral propagation techniques. 

Under the leadership of NCRI Executive Director Joana Figueiredo, Ph.D., NCRI scientists and Atlantic partners will focus federal funding on three key areas in 2026-2027: Water Quality, Invasive Species, and Coral Propagation.

The institutes have been tasked with the following critical functions:

• Conduct federally directed research to fill national and regional knowledge gaps

• Collaborate with relevant states, territories, and non-governmental organizations

• Assist in implementing the National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy and reef action plans

• Build non-federal capacity for management and restoration practices

• Conduct public education and awareness programs