Reefs Unknown Inc

Usvi deep lettuce coral reef study:reefs unknown also will research deep lettuce coral reefs, which are found by the drop offs in the virgin islands at depths between 190 to 240 feet. These very deep reefs are greatly threatened by climate change and human impacts. This activity will involve diving these reefs to gain a better understanding of the corals and then using the explorational dives to produce media used for educational purposes, thus increasing awareness of this vulnerable ecosystem. The deep lettuce coral reef study will utilize approximately 25% of the organization's resources, and about 50% of the principals' time. Mr. Brandtneris and ms. Heidmann will conduct the dives but will collaborate with educational institutions and with media outlets to share their productions with the community and beyond. This project will be financed by private donations. The usvi deep lettuce coral reef study will advance scholarship and educate the community about a variety of coral reefs that are highly threatened.

Eastern pacific reef monitoring:reefs in the eastern pacific are shallower than the caribbean mesophotic reefs, yet, due to the high levels of acidity and large temperature variations in these waters, their study can yield important insight into the future of other coral reefs given the global warming and increased acidity in our oceans. Mr. Brandtneris has been studying these reefs with colleague dr. Tyler smith for ten years and anticipates obtaining funding from private donations to carry out two field expeditions, one to the galapagos islands and one to pacific panama. The cost of these expeditions will amount to approximately 50 percent of overall expenses. The eastern pacific reef monitoring will likely amount to 40% percent of mr. Brandtneris' time. This activity directly furthers reefs unknown's exempt purposes by increasing scientific knowledge of all coral reefs.