Glass Art.
Ocean Impact.

Inspired by the ocean and driven by a passion for glassblowing, Sea Glass 4 Reefs was founded by Evelyn Murthy to transform art into meaningful environmental action. We create handcrafted blown glass pieces that celebrate the beauty of the sea while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. Every piece is made with purpose, and 100% of the proceeds are donated to environmental nonprofits working to restore coral reefs, protect marine ecosystems, and preserve our planet for future generations. Through every handcrafted piece, Sea Glass 4 Reefs seeks to inspire a deeper appreciation for our oceans and the responsibility we all share in protecting them.

Mission

Sea Glass 4 Reefs is a youth-led glassblowing initiative rooted in a deep connection to the ocean and a commitment to protecting Florida’s endangered coral reef ecosystems. Through ocean-inspired glass art, the initiative translates the fragile beauty of coral reefs into physical works that reflect both their importance and their rapid decline.Florida’s coral reefs are experiencing severe stress from rising ocean temperatures, pollution, disease, and coastal development. According to NOAA, coral reef ecosystems are among the most biologically diverse environments on Earth, supporting thousands of marine species and forming the foundation of complex ocean food webs (NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program). In Florida specifically, reef systems also serve as natural barriers that reduce storm surge and coastal erosion, protecting communities and infrastructure during hurricanes and extreme weather events (Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Coral Reefs).Beyond environmental protection, coral reefs are also essential to human life and the economy. They support fisheries that feed millions of people, sustain tourism industries across Florida, and contribute to the overall health of marine ecosystems that help regulate global oxygen and carbon cycles (The Nature Conservancy – Coral Reefs). Yet despite their importance, scientists warn that coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world, with large-scale degradation occurring at an accelerating rate.Through each glass piece, Sea Glass 4 Reefs aims to elevate awareness of this crisis while honoring the natural structures and colors of coral itself. The work is designed not only as artistic expression, but as a visual reminder of what is being lost beneath the surface and what can still be protected through action.All proceeds from sales are dedicated to environmental restoration organizations in Florida actively working to protect, restore, and regenerate coral reef ecosystems. The initiative exists at the intersection of art and conservation, using glassblowing as a medium for education, advocacy, and tangible environmental impact.

Resources

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in conservation. Explore these trusted resources to learn about Florida’s coral reefs, the challenges they face, and how each of us can help protect them for future generations.

Learn About Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They support thousands of species, protect coastlines, and sustain entire communities — but they’re also disappearing faster than most people realize.Scroll to learn what reefs are, why they’re dying, and what we can still do to save them.

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built by tiny animals called coral polyps. Each polyp creates a hard skeleton made of calcium carbonate. Over thousands of years, these skeletons stack up and form large reef structures. Most corals also rely on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. These algae live inside coral tissue and give the coral energy through photosynthesis. In return, the coral provides shelter and nutrients. This relationship is what allows reefs to exist in otherwise nutrient-poor ocean water (Smithsonian Ocean).
Coral reefs are usually found in warm, shallow, clear water between about 30°N and 30°S of the equator. Major reef regions include: - The Coral Triangle (Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea) - The Great Barrier Reef in Australia - The Caribbean Sea - Florida Keys reef system Florida is especially important because it has the only barrier reef in the continental United States (NOAA).
Coral reefs are often called the “rainforests of the sea” because of how much life they support. Even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support about 25% of all marine species (NOAA). They are important because they: - Protect coastlines from storms and erosion - Provide food for hundreds of millions of people - Support fishing and tourism economies - Maintain marine biodiversity Without reefs, entire coastal systems become unstable.
Coral bleaching happens when corals get stressed, usually from warm water temperatures. When this happens, corals expel the algae living inside them (zooxanthellae). Since those algae provide most of the coral’s energy, the coral turns white and begins to starve. If conditions return to normal quickly, corals can recover. But with frequent heat waves, many reefs don’t get enough time to heal. Large-scale bleaching events have become more common, including a global bleaching event that began in 2023 (NOAA). Even a small increase of 1–2°C can trigger bleaching (IPCC 2023).
Ocean acidification happens when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This changes the chemical balance of seawater and reduces the amount of carbonate ions available. Corals need these ions to build their skeletons. As a result: - Corals grow more slowly - Skeletons become weaker - Reefs break more easily during storms This is a long-term global problem linked directly to rising CO₂ levels (IPCC 2023).
One of the biggest threats in Florida right now is a disease called Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). It spreads quickly across reef systems and causes coral tissue to die within weeks or months. It has: - Affected over 20 coral species - Spread across the Florida Reef Tract - Caused major coral loss in the Keys (NOAA) Scientists are still studying exactly how it spreads, but it is one of the most destructive coral diseases ever recorded.
Pollution from land is one of the biggest local threats to coral reefs. Sources include: - Fertilizer runoff from lawns and farms - Sewage leaks - Oil and chemical pollution - Plastic and microplastics When too many nutrients enter the water, algae blooms grow and block sunlight. This reduces coral growth and can smother reefs entirely. Dirty water also reduces the coral’s ability to recover from heat stress (Smithsonian Ocean).
Coral reefs depend on balance between species. When key fish are removed through overfishing, especially herbivores: - Algae grows too quickly - Coral gets outcompeted - Reef structure weakens This creates a chain reaction that makes it harder for reefs to recover from other stressors.
Coral restoration is the process of growing and replanting coral to rebuild damaged reefs. Main methods include: - Coral gardening (growing fragments in nurseries) - Microfragmentation (cutting coral into small pieces so it grows faster) - Outplanting (transplanting coral back onto reefs) These methods help rebuild reef structure and bring back marine life. Organizations like Coral Restoration Foundation are leading large-scale restoration efforts in Florida.
There isn’t just one solution — saving coral reefs requires action at multiple levels. Local solutions: - Reduce pollution and runoff - Improve sewage and wastewater systems - Create marine protected areas - Support coral restoration projects Scientific solutions: - Growing heat-resistant coral strains - Disease treatment research - Genetic and lab-based coral breeding - Reef monitoring and early warning systems Global solutions: - Reducing carbon emissions - Transitioning to renewable energy - Slowing ocean warming Local action helps reefs survive now, but climate action determines whether reefs survive long-term (IPCC 2023).
Coral reefs are not just ocean ecosystems — they directly affect people. They: - Support marine biodiversity - Protect coastlines from storms - Provide food and income - Stabilize ocean ecosystems Losing coral reefs would affect both marine life and human communities. The important part is that reefs are still saveable, but only if action happens now instead of later.
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How You Can Help

1. Use reef-safe sunscreen 🧴

Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that can damage coral and contribute to bleaching stress. Choosing reef-safe sunscreen helps reduce direct chemical harm to reefs.

2. Reduce single-use plastics ♻️

Plastic often ends up in the ocean where it breaks down into microplastics. These can be ingested by marine life and disrupt entire reef ecosystems.

3. Support coral restoration organizations 🌱

Donate, volunteer, or share the work of groups like coral nurseries and reef restoration programs. Even awareness helps funding and outreach.

4. Be careful when in the ocean 🐠

If you snorkel or dive, never touch coral or stand on reefs. Coral is extremely fragile, and even light contact can break structures that took decades to grow.

5. Choose sustainable seafood choices 🎣

Overfishing affects reef balance. Using guides like Seafood Watch helps you avoid contributing to species depletion that harms reef ecosystems.

6. Reduce fertilizer and chemical runoff at home 🌿

Overfishing affects reef balance. Using guides like Seafood Watch helps you avoid contributing to species depletion that harms reef ecosystems.

7. Support climate action policies 🌍

Climate change is the biggest driver of coral bleaching. Supporting policies that reduce carbon emissions helps slow ocean warming long-term.

8. Educate others 💬

Sharing information about coral reefs helps more people understand the issue. Awareness leads to pressure on governments and industries to act.

9. Participate in beach cleanups 🧤

Removing trash before it reaches the ocean directly reduces pollution that harms marine ecosystems.

10. Support science and conservation work 🔬

Follow, fund, or promote organizations doing reef research, disease treatment, and restoration. Science is one of the only reasons reefs still have a chance.

Contact Us

Questions about Sea Glass 4 Reefs, partnerships, educational presentations, or fundraising? We’d love to connect.

[email protected]