Reef Discovery Center

Where Education, Innovation & Reef Restoration Come Together

REEF DISCOVERY CENTER

Ocean Rescue Alliance International and Reef Discovery Center are redefining coral restoration by creating a scalable hub for education, research, innovation, and hands-on ocean action.

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Reef Discovery Center (RDC) is a public-facing ocean education center and living coral laboratory operated by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI).

Our goal is to make coral restoration more collaborative, scalable, and accessible, giving scientists, students, partners, and the public new ways to help rebuild our reefs.

LEARN. RESTORE. INNOVATE.

The Reef Discovery Center connects people directly to marine conservation through:

  • Living aquariums and coral displays

  • Ocean education and interactive exhibits

  • Workshops and community programs

  • Student and research opportunities

  • Hands-on restoration experiences

  • Conservation events and training

Why WeRestore?

Innovative Solutions for Coral Conservation

WeRestore Lab operates as a scalable, modular coral farming system that supports:

  • Capable of producing over 50,000 coral fragments per year in a controlled, storm-resistant environment.

  • Supporting studies in coral genetics, environmental impact, and innovative restoration techniques.

  • Using automated systems for water chemistry, lighting, and monitoring to ensure optimal coral health.

  • Through the Reef Discovery Center, visitors can experience Florida’s coral reefs via interactive exhibits, VR experiences, aquariums, and hands-on conservation activities.

Contact Us To Learn More!

WeRestore - Miami

A collaboration between Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) and Coral City Foundation (CCF) for a Native Species Coral restoration facility in Miami that will service the South Florida area. Focused on coral grow out with restoration partners and the production of soft corals for various artificial reef project such as the City of Hollywood Guardians of the Reef Project and Reefline.

Group of people standing in a hallway with blue painted walls, some artwork, and a polished concrete floor.

WeRestore - Fort Lauderdale

A collaboration between Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) and the Reef Discovery Center (RDC) building out a educational museum and WeRestore coral restoration facility in Fort Lauderdale that will service the South Florida area. RDC will provide an educational space to discover our Florida coral reefs. Focused on coral grow out with industry partners, research and educational outreach.

Collection of small animal skeletons on a metal grid rack, illuminated with blue light.
Laboratory workspace with a large tank or pool illuminated by blue light, surrounded by various cleaning and maintenance supplies, notebooks, and tools.
A room illuminated with blue and purple lighting, containing rectangular tubs on cinder blocks, with wooden frames and visible electrical wiring on the ceiling.
A hand holding a small rock with a salt or mineral deposit behind a wall with hooks. The scene is illuminated with blue light.
A towel with multiple white plugs inserted into holes, a pink measuring tape partially unrolled, under blue lighting.

“At ORAI we believe that rising tides raise all ships. We want to support marine practitioners in scaling marine restoration building our capacity to scale and innovate. For it is together that we will go far. Join us in our mission to Save Our Oceans One Reef At A Time!.”

- Dr. Shelby Thomas