When boats like recreational or commercial fishing vessels ground, they can sometimes can cause significant damage to coral reef structure. But following damage, restoration specialists at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary work hard to restore coral reefs to healthy conditions. This site at South Carysfort Reef in the Florida Keys was damaged in April 2015, crushing and dislodging mustard hill coral and purple sea fans. By reattaching dislodged corals with cement, scientists restabilized loose colonies at the grounding site. A year later, the 60 reattached corals appear to be thriving! By using nautical charts and following safe boating and anchoring practices, you can help prevent future reef damage.