Earth Day, Every Day: Coral Reefs of Texas and Louisiana

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, was designated in 1992 to protect some of the healthiest coral reefs in the world. The unlikely location of these beautiful reefs at East and West Flower Garden Banks, in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, led to further studies of surrounding reefs and banks to find out what kinds of marine life lived there and how they might be connected. This led to the addition of Stetson Bank in 1996, and in 2021 an additional 14 banks became part of the sanctuary. More than 30 years of exploration in this region have shown us the importance of conserving and protecting these coral reefs, coral communities, and deep coral habitats.

Water connects all of us and water itself is connected. Climate Change, pollution and shipping threaten these amazing and fragile habitats every day. Let’s find out about them together.

Enjoy the dynamic speaking style of Kelly Drinnen. She is an Education and Outreach Specialist with NOAA Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and has been teaching marine science as an informal educator for over 30 years, including positions in Education at Moody Gardens and SeaWorld of Florida.

Kelly is also a certified elementary school teacher in Texas and taught 4th grade for two years in South Houston. Her work with the sanctuary includes community events, presentations, and other outreach functions. She collaborates with zoos and aquariums and is a certified SCUBA diver.