Publix Super Markets is expanding its environmental philanthropy by supporting coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys, using donations from its Good Together campaign to install a field nursery with conservation partner FORCE BLUE.
The project consists of 25 coral trees – tree-like underwater structures anchored to the ocean floor with floats – that provide a framework for coral fragments to grow and adapt to ocean conditions.
The coral trees were constructed by Publix support employees in Lakeland and transported to the Florida Keys via the chain’s Good Together truck.
From there, the FORCE BLUE military veteran volunteers and scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium anchored the structures on the seafloor, establishing what is now known as the Publix Coral Nursery – an extension of an underwater coral nursery operated by Mote.
In the nursery, small coral fragments are attached to the tree branches, similar to ornaments on a holiday tree. Over time, the fragments can grow into larger coral colonies that can later be transplanted to reefs, supporting broader rehabilitation of coral populations in the region.
“It is a great honor for our company to be able to support such an important local project aimed at conserving and restoring coral reefs,” said Paul Osley, director of environmental and sustainability programs at Publix. “With the help of FORCE BLUE and local scientists with Mote and I.CARE, this coral field nursery will help rebuild these important habitats.”
Publix’s work with FORCE BLUE builds on environmental project funding that began in 2023, including support for the organization’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The grocer also contributes a portion of proceeds from its companywide reusable bag sales to the Arbor Day Foundation to support tree planting efforts in Florida and eight other states.
Since 2016, the initiatives have helped the Arbor Day Foundation plant more than 2.7 million trees across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
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