Mote’s innovative coral reef restoration technologies & facilities will form the basis for implementing an urgently needed and strategic Florida Keys Coral Disease Response & Restoration Initiative in coordination with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park, FWC, FDEP, TNC & a number of other organizations. Mote’s science-based initiative will significantly address an ongoing ecological emergency by, inter alia: 1) furthering adaptation of Florida Keys coral reefs to changing conditions in Florida for the next 20 years & decades beyond; 2) restoring corals over ~130 acres to strengthen coastal resiliency & expand essential fisheries habitat for commercial & recreational sustainable use; 3) recovering threatened & endangered coral species; and 4) increasing direct participation in conservation stewardship by local community groups, combat wounded veterans, & diverse populations through Mote’s volunteer citizen scientist coral restoration & conservation program.