Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
The Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP) is an AZA member-driven coral rescue and conservation network focused on the rescue, housing and future propagation of Florida corals affected by stony coral tissue loss disease.
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In summer 2018, following the development of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Response Team network and while the Florida Coral Rescue Plan was being developed, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified AZA member facilities as the only U.S. entities having the skills, expertise and resources to receive and manage Florida corals rescued from the Florida Reef Tract as part of the plan’s coral rescue activities. AZA created the FRTRP in response to that invitation in November 2019.​​
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The FRTRP membership includes 21 zoos and aquariums managing 19 rescue coral holding facilities located in 14 U.S. states. Disney, The Florida Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and SeaWorld provide leadership to the network of coral holding facilities and partners.
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The AZA-FRTRP collaborates with several non-AZA accredited rescue coral holding facilities, and over 50 additional AZA-accredited facilities, commercial partners, universities, community colleges, state and federal agencies contributing to the support and success of Florida coral rescue.
What is the conservation impact of the FRTRP?
Since early 2019 AZA-accredited facilities across the country have been working together and with Florida State and Federal agencies, universities and coral conservation groups to rescue nearly 2000 corals and provide safekeeping of them in facilities across the country.
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The essential care and health management provided by AZA facilities to rescued corals is the foundation of efforts creating a future for Florida's Coral Reef. That future would not be possible without the work of our AZA facilities.
Today, the the AZA-FRTRP is pivoting to support State, Federal and NGO coral reef restoration practitioners to create a future for Florida's Coral Reef. While remaining committed custodians and caregivers to over 78% of all corals rescued, AZA-FRTRP facilities are now working to support propagation of rescued corals. Rescue corals are being managed as brood stock to produce a new generation of corals to be placed back on the reef in restoration efforts across Florida's Coral Reef.
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To learn how you or your institution can help bring hope to Florida's Coral Reef contact the SAFE Coral Program Manager, Beth Firchau.
How does the FRTRP support the Florida Coral Rescue Plan?
The AZA-FRTRP provides support in the following ways:
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Manages a national network of coral biologists, professional aquarists, veterinarians, field scientist that work to develop the science, technology and resources necessary for optimum long- term care and welfare of rescued Florida corals.
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Collaborates with international coral conservation entities to ensure strong communications about the disease, the response and what is needed for the rescue plan’s success.
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Facilitates the recruitment of material resources, funds, and technology to sustain and enhance coral holding operations at AZA-FRTRP member facilities.
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Provides a conduit of international exchange and support to promote timely and efficient response to the disease in other affected regions.
