The fresh fish experts at Bonefish Grill are joining The Nature Conservancy to increase awareness about the importance of protecting coral reefs and to help the nonprofit restore one million corals by 2025. The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.

This year marks the International Year of the Reef, a worldwide initiative to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most threatened marine systems, and scientists estimate that unless we take immediate action the world could lose up to 70 percent of coral reefs by 2050. Bonefish Grill is taking action by supporting the Conservancy’s Plant a Million Corals Initiative. The initiative seeks to restore more than one million corals across Florida and the Caribbean and share restoration and conservation practices with local communities.

“We are so excited to announce our partnership with The Nature Conservancy and thrilled to be the first corporate partner to support its Plant a Million Corals Initiative,” says David Schmidt, President of Bonefish Grill. “Bonefish Grill and our guests truly treasure the ocean’s bounties, so in addition to our contribution, we will join together in shining a spotlight on the importance of the Conservancy’s efforts.”

In celebration of the partnership, Bonefish Grill guests can enjoy a coral reef-inspired cocktail, designed to increase awareness of the Conservancy’s coral reef restoration efforts. A handcrafted Coral Reef Punch inspired by the tropics includes a mix of rum, coconut rum, passion fruit flavors, house-made vanilla bean simple syrup, fresh-squeezed orange and pineapple juice. 

The largest living structures on the planet, coral reefs are home to 25 percent of all marine species and provide critical resources. In addition to food, coral reefs provide: a means for income that sustains 500 million people, protection from storms as they break wave energy, ingredients for medicines, and incredible places to play and learn. However, over the last 30 years, ocean acidification, increased temperatures, overfishing and unplanned coastal development have caused coral cover in the Caribbean and Florida to decline by 50 to 80 percent.

“Tackling the challenges facing coral reefs in Florida, the Caribbean and beyond requires cooperation and coordination across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors,” says Dr. Joseph Pollock, Coral Strategy Director for The Nature Conservancy in the Caribbean. “By teaming with the Conservancy to raise awareness of the plight of coral reefs and support on-the-ground action to protect and restore them, Bonefish Grill has shown its commitment to turning the tide on coral reef decline.”