Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array
Driving coral reef recovery by accelerating restoration, speeding growth, and increasing coral survival.
Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species and safeguard coastal communities worldwide. Scientists report that reefs have already suffered major losses in many regions and warn that up to 70–90% could become severely degraded by 2050 without rapid climate action. Governments, NGOs, and communities are investing billions in reef conservation and restoration, but current methods still can’t match the accelerating pace of loss.
Coral Reefs Are Disappearing Faster Than We Can Restore Them
How UZELAâ„¢ Works
UZELAâ„¢ harnesses the natural behavior of corals and their key food source, zooplankton, already present in surrounding waters to boost growth and resilience without adding chemicals or feed.
This compact, self-contained device is an autonomous, submersible light system that attracts and concentrates wild zooplankton above corals at night, dramatically increasing real feeding opportunities when corals are most receptive.
Powered by rechargeable batteries, UZELAâ„¢ can operate on the reef for up to six months at a time, activating automatically for about an hour around dusk to minimize light pollution while maximizing coral feeding time.
Peer‑reviewed research shows that this targeted feeding approach accelerates the growth of juvenile and adult corals, improves overall health, and enhances their chances of long‑term survival.
Designed as a low‑cost, durable, and low‑maintenance tool, UZELA™ helps coral nurseries and restoration teams quickly scale impact by increasing yield and throughput while fitting seamlessly into existing restoration workflows.
News Updates
REEF Roundup Podcast : Episode S5E6
Dr. Andrea Grottoli: Like Moths to a Flame, the Underwater Lights Saving Coral and the Mechanics of UZELA
Ohio State News - Feb 06, 2025
New technology lights way for accelerating coral reef restoration
Publication - Grottoli et al (2025)
Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA): A technology solution to enhance zooplankton abundance and coral feeding in bleached and non-bleached corals
Publication - Dixon et al (2025)
Technology Solutions for Overcoming the Coral Recruitment Bottleneck
Ohio State Science Sundays
Can we save coral reefs? - Andréa Grottoli