About us

Why we run a rescue without a kennel.

Environment and Coral Reef Conservation Foundation is a small Miami-based nonprofit focused on South Florida reef ecosystems. We fund and facilitate small-scale conservation and education projects: beach and reef cleanups, outreach to schools and boating communities, and support for restoration partners working in Biscayne Bay and the Florida Reef Tract.

Miami-Dade and the adjoining reef tract are a complicated place to do conservation. The reefs off our coast have lost most of their hard coral cover, water quality is under pressure from development and runoff, and storm seasons get more intense. No single organization can turn that around.

Our role is modest. We organize community cleanups, we fund small research and education projects, and we try to get Miami residents and boaters to pay attention to what is in the water a few miles offshore. We are realistic about what one small nonprofit can do, and we try to do that well.

We work in coordination with larger coral restoration organizations and with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. We are not a replacement for their work. We are a neighbor pitching in.

Leadership and governance

We are governed by a five-member volunteer board that meets quarterly. Day-to-day operations are led by a small paid staff. Full bios and our annual Form 990 are available on request.

Financial transparency

Our most recent audit is available upon request at [email protected]. Over 91% of expenses fund direct animal care. Administrative costs run under 6%; fundraising under 3%.