October 15, 2026
5:30 PM
8TH ANNUAL
THE LAST STAGHORN
Thank You For Attending State of the Water
Our 8th Annual State of the Water gathered local leaders to collectively imagine – what if this were the last staghorn coral left in Florida? Would our values or our decision-making be different? Would we act to save it?
SPEAKERS
Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D. – keynote speaker
CEO & Miami Waterkeeper
MARVIN WILMOTH – emcee
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Ross Cunning, Ph.D – porter prize winner
Research Biologist, Shedd Aquarium
Andrew Baker, Ph.D – panelist
Director of the Coral Reef Futures Lab
University of Miami
Phanor Montoya-Maya, Ph.D – panelist
Reef Restoration Program Manager
Coral Restoration Foundation
Jason Spingarn-Koff – panelist
Director, The Coral Rescuers
WATCH THE 2026 STATE OF THE WATER VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE
Our 8th Annual State of the Water held at Rusty Pelican celebrated conservation victories, including the Port Everglades dredging advocacy milestone. Themed “Imagine If This Was the Last Staghorn,” the event highlighted coral reef protection and honored Dr. Ross Cunning, Research Biologist, as the 2026 Porter Prize Awardee.
This year has been packed with water wins and tangible impact. On October 15, we premiered our 2026 brand video, showcasing what we’ve been able to accomplish with your support.