Our Story
The idea to harness the power of aquarists to protect coral
Including the expansive reefer community might help corals to be tracked and amplified at scale to better their chances of survival. It's that simple.
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ReefBank is rooted in the belief that aquarists and marine biologists want to make a meaningful difference in conservation and restoration of marine biology. With a variety of active projects and a large volunteer staff, we organize the collective capacity of aquarists to bank coral. This may even someday be used for research or to supply reef restoration.
Since our founding in 2023, we have quietly explored current methods for coral genetic accounting and the noted an inherent exclusion of some of the most willing and qualified people to participate in coral banking, the aquarists community.
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Dr. Gregory and Nicholas McMahon both work in coral banking and are both avid reefers and saw an opportunity to bring in the power of the aquarium community to the important realm of coral for research or restoration.
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Director and Development
Dr Charlie Gregory
As an Aquatic Veterinarian, Dr Gregory has seen the growth and optimization of the aquarium trade in caring for corals. Also, by being in south Florida after having done work in Australia nd Hawaii, he has seen coral research and restoration evolve and improve coral husbandry) though not as well as the hobby ironically). he founded teh Reef Institute and on top of being a USDA coral vereinraian working with most of the coral labs in Florida for permits and out planting, is a professor of coral aquarium science, biology, and restoration at the college of the Florida keys. Dr Gregory is working with the Reefbank's team to build a better way to manage corals for the future.
Experienced, trustworthy and driven. These are just a few of the ways that coworkers describe this invaluable member of our team. Drew Carlyle is truly inspirational and makes it a pleasure to come to work.