Coral Health

Mackenzie
Magyar

Coral Propagation Coordinator

About

As the Florida Coral Propagation Coordinator, funded by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Mackenzie is responsible for developing Florida’s Coral Propagation Strategy, working closely with Florida’s Coral Reef Resilience Program (FCRRP), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the Coral Rescue and Propagation team. She earned a degree in Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern University where she studied coral-symbiont network associations and microanatomy of zoanthid species. Her experience beyond university includes coral reproduction and restoration at different facilities in the Florida Keys. Mackenzie has most recently been the project lead on long term hardbottom and seagrass monitoring programs in the Florida Keys with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), working to create a solid base for future monitoring data. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities including rollerblading and paddling, camping, and scuba diving.

The Florida Coral Propagation Coordinator facilitates discussion, disseminates information, and builds on input from propagation facilities and government agencies to lead the construction of Florida’s Coral Propagation Strategy for Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR). The strategy will coordinate efforts of collaborators working to scale up coral reef restoration and propagation activities based on genetic management, propagation infrastructure needs, and state restoration priorities across Florida.