Biorock reef growing salvaged coral fragments on Cozumel. Notice that the surrounding area is barren of coral, but a few decades ago this was a spectacular elkhorn and staghorn coral reef, which was destroyed by hurricanes and never recovered. Also notice that the bottom has become free of weedy algae again since there have been no cruise ships in Cozumel for two years due to the Covid epidemic. The new cruise ship pier will be constructed right on top of the coral restoration project site and will destroy it unless we can find a way to move it to a secure location! Photo June 2021 by Dr. German Mendez.