Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs is preparing to welcome marine scientist Kyle Pisano for a public talk focused on one of Florida’s most fragile ecosystems, its coral reefs, and the growing challenges tied to pollution, marine life behavior, and long-term restoration efforts.
The event is part of the city’s Science & Sustainability Series and will take place on Saturday, June 27 at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, located at 2855A Coral Springs Drive. The presentation is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., with doors opening earlier at 1:30 p.m. to allow visitors time to explore educational booths and sustainability displays before the main talk begins.
Pisano’s presentation, titled “Plastics, Pollution, and Parrotfish,” will explore how everyday environmental choices, scientific innovation, and restoration strategies intersect in the fight to protect coral ecosystems. The session is expected to focus heavily on marine pollution and reef recovery efforts, especially in Florida waters where coral systems continue to face mounting pressure.
One of the central themes of his research is the surprising impact of parrotfish on reef restoration. These brightly colored reef fish, while natural parts of the ecosystem, can sometimes undo restoration work through their feeding behavior. In some cases, a single parrotfish can damage newly restored coral structures in a matter of bites, slowing down recovery projects that take years to develop.
Pisano has spent years working on solutions to this problem. He holds a master’s degree in marine science from Nova Southeastern University, where his thesis focused on designing protective devices aimed at reducing parrotfish predation on young coral. His work has already shown measurable results, improving survivorship rates in coral restoration trials.
Beyond his academic research, Pisano is also the founder of Reef Fortify Inc., a company focused on advancing coral protection technologies. He has contributed to scientific efforts supporting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Protection and Restoration Program, particularly in areas involving coral rescue, propagation, and nursery operations. He is currently continuing his academic path by pursuing a doctorate at Nova Southeastern University.
The upcoming Coral Springs event will not only highlight scientific research but also aim to make environmental issues more accessible to the public. Visitors attending the session will have the opportunity to learn about ongoing sustainability efforts, with informational booths covering science, resilience programs, and local conservation initiatives. Organizers say the goal is to connect community members with practical ways they can better understand and support marine protection efforts.
In addition to the educational content, the event will offer a relaxed, community-friendly atmosphere. Snacks will be provided for attendees, while beverages will be available for purchase. The format is designed to encourage conversation and engagement, making complex environmental topics more approachable for a general audience.
As coral reefs continue to face threats from pollution, climate change, and human activity, events like this aim to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness. Pisano’s work, in particular, highlights how targeted innovation and local action can play a role in protecting vulnerable marine habitats.
With growing interest in environmental resilience across South Florida, the Coral Springs presentation is expected to draw attendees from both the scientific community and the general public, all looking to better understand what is being done to protect one of the region’s most important natural resources.
