Gov. Ron DeSantis distributes $5 million for artificial coral reef projects in Florida Keys

MARATHON, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at a restaurant in Marathon Wednesday morning.

DeSantis was joined by Roger Young, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DeSantis said his administration has distributed over $100 million for coral reef and coastal protection since he’s

He also distributed an additional $5 million dedicated to installing artificial reef habitats to preserve artificial reef habitats through the FWC in the Florida Keys and highlighted a $9.5 million contribution for coral reef restoration and recovery

DeSantis said the recent donation brings the total to $26.5 million budgeted toward artificial reefs under his administration.

We now have 4300 artificial reefs that have been placed in state and federal waters on Florida’s coast, according to DeSantis.

Coral reefs took a severe hit from last year’s high water temperatures. There are concerns that this year’s water temperatures could match last year’s highs.

“We try to address issues as they arise,” the governor said. “Resources are crucial, and sometimes policy changes are necessary. This investment is vital and must continue.”

Coral reefs are not only important to the ocean ecosystem, but they also do a really good job of absorbing wave energy in the event of storms and hurricanes.

Tom Matthews, a scientist with the FWC, oversees a laboratory dedicated to observing marine life and providing sanctuary for rescued corals.

“The influx of money here will support our new focus on the reef-building corals,” said Matthews.

In the wake of last year’s unprecedented heat wave, corals nurtured in nurseries to support reef health did not survive.

“This season is on track to be just as hot,” Matthews added. “What we’re doing now is experimenting with the ones that are heat resistant.”

They’re also working on artificial reefs--of all sizes.

“These might not be rock structures o concrete,” said Matthews. “Sometimes resources are important, sometimes there’s police changes that need to happen.”

DeSantis also announced that July 14 will be used as an additional day for lobster mini-season for Florida residents only.

The annual lobster mini-season will take place from July 24-25 and is open to the public. The recreational lobster season will begin on Aug. 6 and end on March 31, 2025.

For more information on the 2024 Lionfish Challenge or the 2024 lobster mini-season, click here.

Local 10 News viewers can watch the conference here: