About Us
Built on a Belief
That the ocean can recover. That communities and conservation can thrive together. That urgency and hope are not opposites.
Our Story
In 2011, marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez watched a bleaching event destroy 60% of a reef she had spent a decade studying. Rather than document the loss, she decided to do something about it.
She recruited four colleagues, raised $40,000 from a crowdfunding campaign, and planted TIDE Foundation's first coral nursery in 8 feet of water off Key Largo. Of the first 200 fragments planted, 194 survived their first year.
That survival rate — 97% — became the proof of concept that launched everything. If you give reefs the right conditions, they come back. Faster than the science had predicted. More vibrantly than anyone expected.
Today, TIDE operates 23 underwater nurseries, 12 cleanup vessels, 34 underwater drones, and a satellite tracking network monitoring 2,800+ animals across 34 countries. The organization that started with 5 people and a borrowed boat now employs 340 full-time conservationists and partners with 89 coastal communities.
A Decade of Impact
TIDE founded in Miami, FL. First coral nursery planted in the Florida Keys.
Expanded to Caribbean. 12 coral sites active. First plastic removal vessel launched.
Reached 100 acres of coral reef restored. First UNESCO partnership.
Marine wildlife program launched. 50 species under satellite monitoring.
50th community partnership. NOAA research collaboration begins.
Charity Navigator 4-Star. 500 acres restored. Operations in 20 countries.
2 million lbs of plastic removed. 100 community partners. 30 countries.
847 acres restored. 2.3M lbs removed. 140 species protected. 34 countries.
Be part of what comes next.
The next decade of TIDE depends on people who believe the ocean is worth fighting for.
Join the Mission