The Two Frontiers Project

Community Science

Project ReefLink

Connecting aquarists and scientists to study coral microbes and protect our reefs

Join the Project

About

Anemone
Laboratory
Sea

Corals rely on vast, unseen microbial communities that influence their growth, resilience, and survival. Project ReefLink is a community science project from the Two Frontiers Project (2FP) that empowers aquarists and aquariums to uncover these invisible ecosystems. With just a few simple samples, participants help generate valuable data that will guide reef care and global conservation.

01

PARTICIPATORY

Whether you're caring for a single coral at home or managing a public aquarium, your samples directly contribute to real research.

02

SCIENTIFIC

We focus on the unseen microbiome—using culturing and DNA sequencing to reveal the microbial partners that shape coral health.

03

IMPACTFUL

The results help improve coral care practices today while building knowledge to strengthen reef resilience for the future.

Process

HOW IT WORKS

ReefLink makes coral science simple and accessible. From sign-up to shipping, the process takes just a few steps. Every kit is designed for ease of use—so aquarists of all levels can safely collect samples. Once returned, our team cultures microbes and sequences DNA to reveal the communities living with your corals. Together, these contributions build a powerful dataset for better husbandry practices and reef conservation.

01

SIGN UP

Fill out a short questionnaire to join the study.

02

GET YOUR KIT

We'll send you everything you need to collect samples—no special tools required.

03

COLLECT & SHIP

Follow simple instructions to gather coral and water samples, then drop them off with prepaid shipping.

04

SEE THE IMPACT

Your samples fuel microbial culturing and DNA analysis, building knowledge to improve coral care and reef resilience.

Participate

ELIGIBILITY & SIGN-UP

Who can participate

  • Home aquarists who care for corals in personal tanks
  • Public aquaria that want to contribute exhibit samples
  • Coral restoration groups working to grow and transplant corals
  • Vendors and coral farmers who maintain diverse coral stocks
SIGN UPEMAIL US

Requirements

To participate, you'll need to:

  • Collect a small coral fragment and/or mucus sample, plus a sample of raw tank water.
  • Follow sterile handling instructions provided in your kit.
  • Ship your samples back the same or next day using the prepaid return label.

Questions

Frequently Asked

Partners

COLLABORATORS & SUPPORTERS

Project ReefLink is made possible by a network of aquarists, aquaria, and research partners who share a commitment to open, high-quality science.

Coral Morphologic

Colin Foord

CitSci
Seed
2FP

Team

Coral Morphologic: Colin Foord; CitSci: Sarah Newman, Greg Newman; Seed: Erin Miller, Alison Mehlsak, Emma Castiglione, Emma Loewe, Tresha Paarman & SeedLabs Team; 2FP: Krista Ryon, James R. Henriksen, April Johns, Maya Lipstein, Braden Tierney