Coral reefs are among the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems—and some of the most endangered. Rising temperatures, unchecked tourism, and destructive fishing practices have pushed many reefs to the brink. But Dr. Camilla Floros, marine biologist and Program Manager for Oceans Without Borders, is at the forefront of efforts to turn the tide.
In a recent episode of the BOAT Briefing podcast, Dr. Floros shared how her work combines cutting-edge science with grassroots stewardship. The goal? Rebuild reef systems in East Africa—and ensure local communities benefit from protecting them.
A Scientist Rooted in Place
Though raised inland in South Africa, Dr. Floros’s fascination with coral began during childhood visits to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Over time, that fascination evolved into a career in marine biology and hands-on conservation.
Today, through the Oceans Without Borders program—run by luxury travel brand andBeyond and nonprofit Wild Impact—her team operates in both Bazaruto and northern Zanzibar. Their work focuses on restoring damaged reef systems while putting local people at the center of marine protection.
Community First, Always
What sets this program apart is its integrated approach. Local residents aren’t just consulted—they’re trained as marine rangers, involved in data collection, reef construction, and daily protection efforts.
“We rely on our rangers for everything,” says Dr. Floros. “They’re not just participants—they’re leaders.”
Education plays a major role too, with marine conservation woven into local school curricula to ensure the next generation grows up as stewards of their environment.
Turning Science Into Resilience
Dr. Floros and her team are also leveraging a new ally in the fight against reef collapse: heat-resistant “super corals.” These strains have shown a remarkable ability to survive bleaching events and are being cultivated in nurseries before being replanted across damaged sites.
One standout success: the protected reef system around Nemba Island, which was once overwhelmed by tourism. After community-led reform—including visitor caps and conservation levies—the reef has begun to recover. Coral cover is growing, fish populations are returning, and tourism revenue is being redirected into local development.
Why This Matters
Coral reefs aren’t just scenic backdrops—they’re essential infrastructure. They protect coastlines, support marine life, and generate billions in global tourism and fisheries. The loss of coral would be a humanitarian crisis as much as an ecological one.
“We need to stop thinking of reefs as someone else’s issue,” says Dr. Floros. “This is about livelihoods, climate resilience, and justice.”
What You Can Do
The advice is simple: be aware of your footprint. Whether you’re at sea or hundreds of miles from the coast, reducing waste—especially plastics—makes a difference. Trash travels, and even small individual actions have ocean-wide impacts.
Photo credit: Oceans without Boarders
