In the ocean coral reefs provide safe havens for many species of beautiful exotic fish. But this beauty can have ugly consequences. Many of their colorful inhabitants are collected for home aquariums and displays in ways that are not environmentally friendly.

SeaWorld’s “Rising Tide” initiative is funding marine fish breeding research that will provide a sustainable tropical fish population and lessen the dependency on coral reefs for home aquariums.

Coral reefs not only contribute to the overall beauty of the underwater world, but they are also one of the most dynamically diverse habitats. More than 7,300 species of fish call the Mesoamerican Reef home. These delicate, underwater ecosystems provide food, medicine and inspiration to generations of people as well.

SeaWorld Orlando team members spent a hot July day with The Nature Conservancy at Mosquito River Lagoon in Merritt Island, Florida. They worked hard to create a quilt of oyster mats in knee deep water designed to re-establish damaged oyster beds.