Nonprofit organization · Quintana Roo, Mexico

Applied science
in service of the ocean

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to the active restoration of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean since 2006.

Our story

20 years giving back
life to the reef

Oceanus, A.C. was born in 2006 in Quintana Roo in response to the accelerating degradation of the Mexican Caribbean's coral reefs. Since then we have built the most extensive reef restoration network in the country.

We work under a model that integrates scientific research, coral propagation in underwater nurseries, active transplanting and continuous monitoring — in collaboration with local communities, academic institutions and international organizations.

As of December 2025, we have transplanted more than 100,000 colonies of Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis across 10 active sites, restoring approximately 8 hectares of reef in the Gulf and the Caribbean.

MG
M.Sc. Miguel García
Co-founder · Scientific director
GN
M.Sc. Gabriela Nava
Co-founder · Executive director
20 years of Oceanus restoring Mexico's oceans Coral colony in an underwater nursery
20 years
0
Coral colonies transplanted
Cumulative · Dec. 2025
0
Active sites in the Gulf and the Caribbean
~0 ha
Hectares of reef restored
0
Years of the restoration program
Institutional identity

Mission, vision
and values

The principles that guide our marine restoration work in Mexico.

Mission

To contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of Mexico's marine and coastal resources through the active restoration of coral reefs, applied scientific research and local capacity building.

Vision

A Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Caribbean with healthy coral reefs, resilient coastal communities and a culture of marine conservation that safeguards biodiversity for future generations.

Commitment

We operate with transparency, scientific rigor and accountability. All our projects are documented and measurable to ensure the greatest impact of every peso invested.

Institutional values
🔬
Scientific rigor
Every action is backed by evidence and validated methodologies
🤝
Collaboration
We work as a network with communities, academics and businesses
🌱
Sustainability
We design solutions that endure beyond our projects
📊
Transparency
We publish impact reports with verifiable data every year
How we work

Our methodology

A scientific process proven over 16 years, adapted to the ecological conditions of the Mexican Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

1
Assessment

Site selection and reef evaluation

We carry out coral-cover surveys, temperature and water-quality analysis, and identification of natural donor fragments. We only intervene where the reef has the conditions to recover.

2
Propagation

Cultivation in underwater nurseries

We build tree and table nurseries at 3–8 meters depth where coral fragments grow under controlled conditions. We work with Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis, the key species of Caribbean reefs.

3
Transplanting

Active planting on the reef

When colonies reach 10–15 cm in diameter, we transplant them to the reef using marine cement substrates.

4
Monitoring

Follow-up and impact evaluation

We monitor the survival, growth and health of each colony during the first 12 months. The data feed our knowledge base and the annual impact reports we share with donors and partner institutions.

The people behind the work

Our team

M.Sc. Miguel García — Co-founder, Oceanus A.C.
M.Sc. Miguel García
Co-founder · Scientific director

Master of Science specializing in coral reef ecology. More than 20 years of experience in marine research and restoration in the Mexican Caribbean.

M.Sc. Gabriela Nava — Co-founder, Oceanus A.C.
M.Sc. Gabriela Nava
Co-founder · Executive director

Master of Science with extensive experience in conservation project management, institutional partnerships and international cooperation for marine sustainability.

Field team, Oceanus A.C.
Field team
Scientific divers and technicians

Marine biologists, certified divers and specialized technicians operating across the 10 active restoration sites along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

Claudia Le Clercq — Oceanus A.C.
Claudia Le Clercq
Volunteer coordination and public relations

Coordinates the volunteer program and engagement with donors, partners and community to expand the reach of restoration.

Saúl López Vite — Oceanus A.C.
Saúl López Vite
Webmaster

Responsible for the website Oceanus.org.mx

Join us

The reef needs
your support today

Every colony we transplant began with a decision by someone who believed the ocean is worth it. Be part of the largest marine restoration network in Mexico.