Communicating coral: Art and science for global reef action

Coral reefs are declining at an unprecedented rate, threatened by climate change, overfishing, pollution, and coastal development. A new article in Science Advances argues that addressing this crisis will require more than scientific research alone—it will also take art, design, storytelling, and community-led action.

By translating complex science into compelling visual, cultural, and emotional experiences, artists can make the largely unseen world of coral reefs more accessible and inspire people to care, participate, and advocate for stronger protections. The authors, including Dr. Sylvia Earle, call for deeper collaboration among scientists, artists, policymakers, educators, Indigenous and coastal communities, and conservation leaders to transform awareness into meaningful action.

The article also introduces the Coral Art-Science Consortium, a global initiative working to connect creative projects, expand public engagement, and build a shared cultural movement for reef conservation. Together, science and art can help move people from curiosity to inspiration—and from inspiration to action.

Read the full article at science.org.