Coral is a foundation species – one that creates the habitats that support biodiversity and provides essential shoreline protection. The waters of Dry Tortugas National Park, which lies about 60 miles to the west of Key West, Florida, are home to some 30 species of coral. One type –- Elkhorn Coral -- rises above the rest, literally and figuratively, for its importance in the region. It also happens to be the most threatened.  

A U.S. Geological Survey team looked into whether Elkhorn Coral grown in nursery conditions could be transplanted in Dry Tortugas and other areas of the Florida Keys. The Traveler’s Lynn Riddick got the details about the study from lead investigator Dr. Ilsa Kuffner, who says the findings are encouraging, as is the shift in the way people have started to think about reef conservation