Through Publix’s Good Together environmental campaign donations made by customers and associates in our Florida stores, we’re supporting coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys. We’re installing a coral nursery with the help of military veterans from FORCE BLUE.

A coral tree is a tree-like structure that is anchored to the ocean floor and has floats (or buoys) to keep it upright. Coral fragments are hung from the branches of the tree, allowing them the opportunity to grow freely and adapt to ocean conditions.

Built by support associates in Lakeland, Florida, the coral trees were transported to the Florida Keys using our Publix Good Together truck. From there, military veterans from FORCE BLUE and local scientists anchored the trees to the ocean floor within what is known as the Publix Coral Nursery — an extension of an existing Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium underwater coral nursery. The team then attached small fragments of coral to the trees, which can grow into larger corals that can later be transplanted to existing coral reefs to help rehabilitate the coral population.

“It’s a great honor for our company to be able to support such an important local project aimed at conserving and restoring coral reefs,” said Director of Environmental and Sustainability Programs Paul Osley. “With the help of FORCE BLUE and local scientists with Mote, this coral nursery will help rebuild these important habitats.”

See these efforts in action.