NY Teen Restores Cuban Coral Reefs

Asa Miller, an 18-year-old conservationist from New York, has made significant contributions to the restoration of Cuba's coral reefs. Through his self-created campaign, ¡Viva el Vivero!, he supports reef restoration projects that are in need of resources. Miller was recognized as a 2025 winner of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes for his dedication.

His work primarily targets the Laguna de Maya Marine Protected Area, located east of Havana. Since 2019, scientists and divers have been engaged in coral restoration efforts there. Miller’s campaign, translating to "Long Live the Nursery," provides these vital projects with training, personnel, record-keeping assistance, and necessary supplies.

Miller's inspiration stems from his Cuban grandmother's tales of pristine beaches. After learning about the threats of rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching to Cuba's reefs, he became determined to act. He earned dive certifications and took restoration courses in the United States before traveling to Cuba.

Upon arrival, Miller meticulously documented the project's progress by conducting interviews and reviewing dive logs, creating two detailed maps of the ongoing work. He then actively participated in replanting coral fragments grown in nine underwater nurseries. These healthy fragments were carefully transplanted across the protected area's 1.7 square miles of ocean.

Furthermore, Miller produced, directed, and edited an underwater documentary to showcase the restoration techniques employed by his team. This film has achieved recognition, winning awards at 25 film festivals and reaching an audience of 10,000 viewers. Miller's commitment extends to inspiring others, urging them to take action on environmental issues they care about.