PROJECT REEFLINK

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

ABOUT PROJECT REEFLINK

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.

PARTICIPATORY

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

    SCIENTIFIC    

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

    IMPACTFUL   

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

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.

SIGN UP

Fill out a short questionnaire to join the study.

GET YOUR KIT

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

COLLECT & SHIP

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

SEE THE IMPACT

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

ELIGIBILITY & SIGN-UP

TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

  • 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.

BASIC 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.

GET STARTED

Please use the like to citsci.org to sign-up and/or email us for more information.

FAQs

Do my corals get harmed?
Only a very small fragment or mucus sample is collected. The process minimizes stress and allows the coral to quickly heal. We have screened our protocols carefully to ensure damage to the coral is minimal.

Do I need special equipment?
No. Everything you need—from sterile bags and tubes to detailed instructions—is included in your kit. All you provide is your coral tank and about 15–20 minutes of your time.

What do I get back?
Participants receive project updates and collective insights into how coral microbes shape health and resilience. You’ll be part of a growing community of aquarists, scientists, and conservationists helping to build one of the largest coral microbiome datasets in the world.

Shipping rules?
Currently, participation is limited to domestic shipments. Each kit includes a prepaid return label and instructions to make the process simple and compliant with shipping regulations.

Why are microbes important for corals?
Corals don’t live alone—they rely on microscopic partners like bacteria, archaea, and fungi. These microbes help with nutrient cycling, disease resistance, and stress recovery. By studying them, we can learn why some corals thrive while others struggle.

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.