Coral reefs rely on a hidden network of microbial partners to survive disease, warming waters, and other environmental stress. ReefLink is a nationwide participatory science campaign led by The Two Frontiers Project, in collaboration with CitSci, Coral Morphologic, and Seed Health, to uncover these microbial allies—without ever putting on a mask and snorkel. From your home to public aquariums, reef tanks across the U.S. are home to thriving corals and unique microbial communities.
By collecting and analyzing coral and water samples from these tanks, we aim to build 2FP’s first large-scale microbial database and biobank of private aquarium corals in the United States. Your participation will help scientists discover beneficial microbes, identify coral pathogens, develop new probiotic tools to protect reefs, and deepen public engagement in coral conservation.
Your Role:
Anyone can join and provide data and photos of your own coral tank with the “What’s in your tank?” datasheet. If you want to go one step further, check “Yes” to “Would you be willing to sample” and if your aquarium has high scientific value we’ll get in touch and talk to you about the opportunity to receive a sampling kit for microbial life. Sampling kits are limited so join the project today to get started!
The second way to participate is if you represent a public aquarium, zoo, reef club, shop or are an educator and would like to partner to contribute multiple samples or help recruit participants. Please message the Project Manager or email us directly at commsci@twofrontiers.org
Don’t have a tank to observe? No worries! Join one of our other participatory science projects: https://citsci.org/organizations/two-frontiers-project
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