SUMMERLAND KEY – Dr. David Vaughan, one of the scientists who pioneered the technique of microfragmentation as a way to reduce the time it takes to rebuild coral reefs, always said he wanted to plant a million corals before he retired.
The 67-year-old scientist, who began part-time as director at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration in 2018, ultimately retired that year to start the nonprofit Plant a Million Corals Foundation.
The week surrounding Earth Day 2021 marked the limited release of “Active Coral Restoration: Techniques for a Changing Planet,” a book he edited and co-wrote with dozens of contributing authors.