In 2017, I.CARE Co-founders Dr. Kylie Smith and Mike Goldberg, owner of Key Dives, crossed paths whilst Kylie was conducting her Ph.D research in the Florida Keys. Each time she visited Key Dives to fill tanks for her studies, Mike would eagerly inquire about what he was seeing on the reefs, to gain a scientific perspective about his observations. As time went on, these conversations moved from the dive shop to the Florida Keys Brewing Company over a beer. In December of 2018, the idea of I.CARE was born at this very venue!
The idea of I.CARE didn’t take long for the pair to put together, combining the science, technology, and best practices for successful reef restoration with the passion and devotion for marine conservation that only recreational divers have. Kylie and Mike began reaching out to contacts with Mote Marine Lab, permitting agencies such as the FWC & FKNMS, as well as other local dive operators and all were in full support! In January of 2021, I.CARE officially transplanted their first corals to Alligator Reef in Islamorada, Florida and have since outplanted over 31,000 corals and over 2,700 sponges! Almost all of these efforts have been completed by recreational divers, allowing them to feel more connected to the reefs they know and love.
Me and the team during my second week at I.CARE - January 2026
In the past 5 years, I.CARE has developed eight restoration sites spanning from Islamorada to Key Largo. As corals and sponges are transplanted to these sites, the team routinely revisits to monitor the animals’ overall condition and health. Not only that, we also analyze each site on a quarterly basis for natural coral cover, invertebrate abundance, and more to harness a better understanding of the reef ecosystem as a whole.
Natural colonies of the Mountainous Star Coral (Orbicella faveolata) and Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans)
Much like biodiverse organisms working in harmony on our reefs, the I.CARE team is made up of 14 staff with various roles all striving towards one common goal: restoring the reefs of the Florida Keys. Our staff include our Co-Founders, Operations Manager, Communications & Outreach Manager, Coral Propagation Manager, Sponge Post-Doctoral Researcher, and part time Field Researcher. The other half of the group is composed of seven interns – five Coral Restoration Interns, one Sponge Intern, and one Education & Outreach Intern.
In January of this year, I joined the crew as a Coral Restoration Intern. The year-long program is spent learning the intricacies of multi-faceted marine conservation work, whilst also actively engaging with the local community. A large part of my day to day activities include in water field work (weather permitting), such as monitoring corals, guiding divers on weekly maintenance & transplanting trips, and a variety of other dives conducting underwater science. I.CARE has allowed me to develop the skills necessary to further propel my career as a marine biologist, especially in gaining an up close perspective of Caribbean reef ecosystems.
A day like this can be your reality too! Come join us on our maintenance and transplanting trips. To learn more, find us on social media @icareaboutcoral or subscribe to our monthly newsletter via our website https://icareaboutcoral.org/.