Spring 2026
Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

How is March over already?! Am I the only one convinced that someone out there is speeding up time? Jokes aside, despite not having enough hours in a day, things are moving along steadily at TC Reef. 

DNA sequencing is now well underway in our lab which is a major step forward in strengthening the genetic foundation of our coral conservation work. At the same time, we continue to make steady progress behind the scenes on the development of our new research and education facility, laying the groundwork for a space that will expand what is possible here in the Turks and Caicos.

March has been a month for people and we were delighted to welcome multiple students and volunteers into our day-to-day operations. These individuals didn’t just observe, but actively contributed across education, lab work, and field activities. 

This is what progress looks like: science advancing, foundations being built, and more hands joining the work.

Let’s keep the momentum going!

With hope,

Alizée Zimmermann
Executive Director
Turks and Caicos Reef Fund

Positive News & Updates

March was a powerful month for education, outreach, and capacity building

We were thrilled to host Sydney Davies from Queen's University for a three-week work experience placement. With a background in environmental education, Sydney helped create new educational materials and infographics while assisting with student programs and helping us strengthen how we communicate reef science to the next generation.

We also welcomed Kylie and Sienna from Miami, who spent several days volunteering with us as part of their community service efforts. Though their visit was short, they were able to get hands-on with multiple projects.

Closer to home, Nadia and Maggie from British West Indies Collegiate Year 10 joined us for a week-long work experience. Their time was spent immersed in DNA extraction work, coral husbandry, and water chemistry. During their week with us they were able to gain firsthand insight into both the science and daily realities of reef conservation.

Outreach efforts extended beyond the lab this month. At the Pelican Energy Science Fair, TCRF engaged with students and the wider community through an interactive education booth, while Alizée served as a judge for the primary school science competition; supporting and encouraging the next generation of young scientists.

We also welcomed over 20 students from our partners at the School for Field Studies in South Caicos, providing a behind-the-scenes look at our coral lab and the work we’re doing.

Despite a busy outreach schedule, field operations continued. Our team maintained ongoing mooring installations and coral reef monitoring, and just last week successfully revisited two long-term photogrammetry plots at West Caicos. These repeat surveys will allow us to track reef changes over a 21-month period, providing valuable data on reef condition and changes over the last 2yrs.

We were also pleased to support visiting researchers from the California Academy of Sciences and Inkfish, providing vessel assistance during their pre-expedition technical dive training as they prepare for deeper reef exploration in the archipelago.

As this newsletter is being written, Alizée is in pre-boarding quarantine ahead of joining a two-week expedition focused on studying the mesophotic reefs of Turks and Caicos.  Stay tuned for what comes next!

Check out the Mission Overview here: Expedition Turks & Caicos 2026: Mission Overview

Advancing Coral Genetics: DNA Sequencing Underway

This month marked a major milestone as our DNA sequencing project with Dr. Michelle Taylor moved fully into implementation.

Working through the early stages of genetic analysis, our team has been focused on refining protocols for coral sampling, DNA extraction, and sequencing across multiple coral species within our biobank. As with any new laboratory workflow, progress has come with its share of troubleshooting, from optimizing sample preparation techniques to adjusting protocols for the unique challenges presented by coral tissue….Some corals are more generous than others with their contribution to science! Saying that, we have successfully sequenced 15 specimens so far, many of which do not have a published genome.

These iterative steps are critical. Each refinement brings us closer to establishing a reliable, in-country genetic sequencing capability. The result is not just data, but capacity: the ability to better understand the genetic diversity within our biobank, make informed decisions for restoration, and ensure we are preserving the strongest possible foundation for future reefs.

This work has been made possible through the support of the Biodiversity Challenge Fund via the Darwin Local program, and represents a significant step forward in building scientific infrastructure here at home.

Grace Bay Resorts Foundation X Reefsaver

Thanks to a generous donation from the Grace Bay Resorts Foundation we were able to replace the engine in the Reefsaver late last year. We’re happy to say she’s still running smoothly and she just got a little makeover to reflect the partnership.

Realities & Challenges We’re Facing

Reality Check:
The Weather doesn’t negotiate

March brought its share of challenges, with weather conditions limiting several planned field days.

For the first time in a while, we were also forced to cancel our monthly kids snorkel session which was a reminder that even the best-laid plans are subject to the realities of working in a dynamic marine environment.

These moments are frustrating, but they are also part of the work. Conservation requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to work within the rhythms of nature rather than against them.

Join our next research trip!

Follow along on Instagram!