About

ARC Marine Research Laboratories (ARC Reef)

ARC Reef is a state and federally licensed marine research laboratory and aquaculture facility. Our state of the art research laboratory allows us to do NS, OS, UL water testing, and our cutting edge equipment enables us to isolate, identify, and conduct research on many coral diseases. ARC Reef specializes in pychological hybridization of over 68 separate species of aquaculture coralline algae. We are working hard each day to bring about positive change and a better understanding of coral reef ecology. Our highly dedicated staff is comprised of marine biologists, research associates, and skilled divers, all united in the goal of making change happen.

Our mission

ARC Reef’s main focus is on developing new and innovative techniques for reef-building. Our reef-building and reef-seeding projects are conducted throughout the United States, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Our coralline seeding program is now being utilized to help quicken the lengthy process or coral settlement on both artificial reefs and natural reefs that have been hit by stressor events.  By using our coralline algae spores we can shave off 1 full year and speed up the process of maturity as well as drastically reduce the growth phases of nuisance algae. We are strong advocates of fully eliminating the collection of wild reefs. Our staff is always striving to come up with new and innovative methods for reef restoration, coral propagation, collection techniques, and transportation methods. ARC Reef regularly aids in reef restoration projects, educating the public on the importance of reef conservation, and spearheading needed initiatives through working with our elected officials. Our reefs are declining at an alarming rate and we are determined to reverse this process. The Florida Reef Tract is the 3rd. largest barrier reef in the world but has lost 79% of its corals. This number is expected to grow unless we act now to change it.  Every purchase of our Live Rock and Coralline Algae products helps to grow our abilities to do just that. Our efforts are funded solely through our sales. 20% of all purchased goes directly to this cause. We would like to thank our loyal customers, the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Department of Agriculture for all your support.