raise the reef

artists united to turn the tide on climate change

Raise the Reef is a global performance series uniting comedians, drag artists, and musicians to help rebuild coral reefs and restore the heart of our oceans. Coral reefs are the planet’s most diverse ecosystems, home to one-quarter of all marine life, and they protect coastal communities from storms, provide food and medicine, and sustain the livelihoods of billions of people worldwide. Yet climate change, pollution, and overfishing have destroyed more than half of the world’s reefs in just a few decades.

By pairing art with environmental action, Raise the Reef transforms entertainment into impact. Each show partners with reef restoration organizations to fund coral planting. Together, we’re proving that joy and creativity can ripple outward—healing both the planet and the people who call it home.

help replant the coral reef

now seeking partners, sponsors, and performers

We’re building a wave of laughter, art, and action, and we’d love you to be part of it! Raise the Reef relies on collaboration between artists, environmental organizations, and supporters who believe the arts and sciences can change the world.

Whether you’re a comedian, musician, drag performer, or creative looking to share your gifts; a sponsor hoping to make an impact; a scientist or conservationist that wants to get involved; or a partner ready to help us restore the ocean’s beauty—we want to work with you!

Let's plant some friggin' coral.

WHY CORAL?

coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean

Coral reefs support 25% of all marine life, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
They are home to thousands of species of fish, plants, and marine mammals, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth.

reefs protect people and communities

Coral reefs act as natural sea walls, reducing wave energy by up to 97% during storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis.
Over a billion people worldwide depend on reefs for food, income, and coastal protection.
Healthy reefs are critical to coastal resilience—their loss directly increases flood damage and displacement.

coral fuels economies and livelihoods

Reef-related tourism, fishing, and recreation generate an estimated $375 billion annually.
Many small island and coastal economies rely on reefs as their primary natural resource.
Rebuilding reefs sustains local economies, especially in developing nations hit hardest by climate change.

coral is medicine

Coral ecosystems are a source of new medicines for cancer, HIV, heart disease, and other conditions.
Over half of all potential new marine compounds for pharmaceuticals come from reef species.
Every lost reef is a lost opportunity for scientific discovery and healing.

coral is dying -- but it can be revived

Since the 1950s, we’ve lost over half of the world’s coral reefs due to warming waters, pollution, and overfishing.
Without action, 90% of reefs could disappear by 2050.
The good news: coral restoration works—scientists and divers are now growing and transplanting coral with remarkable success.