Elkhorn Marine Conservancy Announces Rebrand to AnuBlue

Elkhorn Marine Conservation (EMC) announces its official rebrand to AnuBlue, reflecting its expanded programming that includes more than elkhorn coral restoration. The new name references “Anu”, a well-known reference to Antigua, and “Blue” refers to the marine ecosystems they restore. Pronounced as “a new blue”, the name has a layered meaning that captures the vision of giving Antigua and Barbuda’s marine ecosystems “a new” shot at life as restored and resilient seas.

Since its founding in 2021, the organisation has grown from starting a single coral nursery near Green Island into a multi-dimensional ocean restoration program. Under the new identity of AnuBlue, the organization operates across three interconnected pillars: restoration, research, and community engagement.

AnuBlue’s restoration program propagates 13 endangered coral species to support reef resilience. Over the last five years of its existence, AnuBlue has established four coral nurseries – at Jumby Bay, Cades Reef and two around Green Island – where coral fragments propagated from parent colonies that have demonstrated heat and disease resistance are grown. Once mature, these fragments are outplanted onto nearby degraded reef beds. Corals with different genotypes are placed in close proximity, encouraging natural gamete exchange during spawning events and promoting genetic mixing. This approach helps produce more robust coral populations with a greater capacity to withstand climate change impacts and future disease outbreaks.

AnuBlue’s restoration efforts are guided by  innovative research tailored to Antigua and Barbuda’s unique ocean conditions. Being a science-driven organisation, AnuBlue rigorously conducts regular water quality monitoring, explores the impact of sponges and herbivorous organisms (e.g. crabs and sea urchins) on coral reef restoration, and conducts whale acoustic monitoring, and shark tagging — to inform region wide ecosystem conservation. In the last year, AnuBlue’s efforts have been recognized by the international scientific community through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Equally central to AnuBlue’s mission is community connection to the sea. From the onset, the organisation has employed local fisherfolk and scuba divers to ensure the sustainability of the various coral nurseries and restoration sites around Antigua. Recognising the complex relationship many people in Antigua and Barbuda have with the sea, AnuBlue offers  ocean-based swimming lessons, summer camps, and educational outreach programs. Through these initiatives the organization works to build ocean confidence, foster stewardship, and nurture a culture of care for the local coastal environments.

“This new name reflects our growth and captures the scale and ambition of what we aim to become,” said Christal Clashing, Director of Advancement and Community Engagement. “AnuBlue captures our belief that restoration must go hand-in-hand with education, research, and community partnership if we want lasting change.”

The rebrand signals a commitment not just to restoring coral reefs, but to strengthening the relationship between people and ocean — ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s marine ecosystems can thrive for generations to come.

(Photo credits: Andre Phillip)

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