Becoming an Iconic Reef Guardian: A purposeful dive in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Maintaining the world’s largest Coral Tree™ nursery is a lot of work and requires routine cleaning of the trees to remove biofoul, algae, and bivalves using brushes, chisels, and other tools. (Image credit: Jay Clue) Download Image February 24, 2026 The first time I laid eyes on a coral reef was in the Florida Keys in 2012 after I had just learned to scuba dive. I remember hovering above the reef in awe trying to take in the colors of coral and sponges, the fish moving through them, and the realization that an entire world existed beneath the surface. Education 0 Off
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