Art and science unite in coral conservation

Collaborators from the University of South Carolina Beaufort are among the contributors to a paper on coral conservation published in Science Advances, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The paper, “Communicating Coral: Art and Science for Global Reef Action,” explores how art and science can work together to encourage public engagement, influence policy and support conservation efforts aimed at protecting coral reefs.

The publication includes USCB marine biologist Dr. Kim Ritchie, Associate Professor of Art Joanna Angell, and artists Eveline Kolijn and April Flanders as contributing members of the Coral Art-Science Consortium. The paper’s lead authors are Mónica Medina, Or Ben-Zvi and Oren Levy.

According to the release, the Coral Art-Science Consortium is an international nonprofit organization that brings together scientists and artists to promote coral reef conservation through collaboration, storytelling and environmental awareness.

Ritchie is an associate professor of genetics and prokaryotic cell biology at USCB and director of Pritchards Island Research. Angell teaches ceramics, drawing and printmaking and serves as director of USCB’s Sea Islands Center Gallery.

Kolijn and Flanders completed artist residencies at USCB’s Beaufort campus and Pritchards Island in 2025. During those residencies, they presented exhibitions titled “Fragile Oceans,” “Tidalectics” and “Altered Environments.”

The paper describes coral reefs as facing increasing threats from climate change, pollution, overfishing and coastal development. According to the authors, mass coral bleaching events that were once rare now occur frequently around the world, placing ecosystems at risk. The paper states that coral reefs support food security, coastal protection, cultural identity and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people.

The authors argue that while scientific research provides data needed to understand reef decline and develop conservation strategies, art can help communicate those findings in ways that encourage public understanding and action.

“Scientific research tells us what is happening to coral reefs worldwide and why it matters,” Ritchie said. “Art helps people connect with those findings on a human level. When people feel connected to coral reefs, they’re more likely to support actions needed to protect them.”

The publication also emphasizes involving Indigenous communities and coastal populations in conservation efforts, stating that engaging those communities as collaborators can make conservation initiatives more equitable, effective and sustainable.
The full article is available through Science Advances.