Photography provided by Brilliant Studios

Helping to preserve and protect the TCI environment

Our Mission

The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (501c3) was founded by Don Stark and David Stone in May 2010. Visitors to the TCI for many years and part-time residents for the past several years, both Don and David have seen firsthand the challenges to the marine environment that the Turks and Caicos Islands face.  

Our mission is to help preserve and protect the TCI environment through education, research and advocacy.

The potential for over-fishing, the potential impact of major new commercial developments all present potential threats to the feature of these island that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year - its beaches, marine animals and reefs. 

The TCI Government is doing what it can through the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), but we believe more needs to be done to supplement and complement those efforts.  This is the reason why we established the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund. We’d love your help today!

2021 Accomplishments

  • Continued to lead the effort to treat and monitor Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in the TCI.

  • Successfully completed a study testing the efficacy of a non-antibiotic treatment for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease demonstrating efficacy nearly comparable to the amoxicillin treatment.

  • Hired our first full-time staff person - Executive Director, Alizee Zimmermann.

  • Became a regional leader in the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease treatment and research effort.

  • Continued our effort to install and maintain snorkel and dive boat moorings throughout the islands.

  • Expanded our coral nursery for staghorn and elkhorn corals.

  • Became the only TCI member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

  • Completed a restoration and improvement plan for the Smith’s Reef Snorkel Trail