Cocalito: The Rebel Reef Defying a Dying Ocean

The Cocalito reef in Tela Bay, Honduras, is thriving despite extreme heat and pollution that have devastated other coral ecosystems in the region. Made mostly of critically endangered elkhorn coral, Cocalito remains remarkably healthy—even during 2024's record-breaking summer and a global coral bleaching event. Scientists are studying its resilience, hypothesizing that genetic factors, local ocean currents, and limited human interference may contribute to its survival. Conservationists are increasing efforts to protect the reef, including local monitoring, lionfish control, and a new biobank. The reef’s unexpected vitality has inspired a documentary project and renewed hope for coral conservation worldwide.