In Costa Rica, a marine heatwave intensified by El Niño devastated coral reefs.
Now, Raising Coral is restoring them through science, community, and care.
In 2024, a prolonged marine heatwave, intensified by El Niño, resulted in severe coral loss, with nearly 60% mortality in Cahuita National Park and the Golfo Dulce.
In the south of Costa Rica, Raising Coral Costa Rica was ready.
Years of restoration and reef monitoring meant they could respond quickly: rescuing vulnerable corals and documenting how the reefs reacted to extreme heat.
They activated a bleaching response plan: conserving surviving colonies, collecting data on heat impacts, and protecting strong coral genotypes in their nurseries for future restoration
At Los Mogos, their main restoration site of 79 ha, the team saw signs of hope.
Thanks to reduced deforestation upstream, the water stayed clearer, helping some corals endure the heat better than elsewhere.
Since 2016, Raising Coral has built 19 nursery structures, restored 9 reef sites, and planted over 5,000 corals. Those years of preparation laid the foundation for recovery after the bleaching event.
Through Restor, the team tracks reef health, monitors conditions, and shares progress openly.
