CONROE, Texas, October 8, 2026. The IMARCS Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) marine science nonprofit, has launched Adopt a Reef Resident, a program that lets supporters name a real animal at the Foundation's research facility in Japan and follow it every month. Adoptions are available now at imarcs.org/adopt.
Supporters can adopt a giant clam, a clownfish pair, a carpet anemone, or a flowerpot coral. Each is tied to the Foundation's research. The largest giant clam species, Tridacna gigas, is Critically Endangered. Nearly every carpet anemone in the aquarium trade is collected from the wild, and flowerpot coral is among the most heavily traded corals.
Three plans are available, with the same donation amount for every reef resident. The Steward plan, for ages 13 and up, has a donation amount of $15 a month or $180 a year. The Family plan, for children 2 to 12, has a donation amount of $19 a month or $228 a year and adds a new coloring page and worksheet each month. The Classroom plan, for classrooms, 4-H clubs, and scout troops, has a donation amount of $29 a month or $348 a year and adds a leader sheet with permission to copy. Family and Classroom materials come in a standard or Christian edition.
Every adoption includes a certificate and a private page for the reef resident, with live tank readings for temperature, salinity, and pH, notes from the Foundation's Head of Life Support, a photo and video timeline, and the feeding log. Adopters also receive a monthly email update, a live quarterly Q&A with the Foundation's President and Vice President, and a year in review each January. Adoptions can be given as gifts.
"Every animal in our tanks is part of the research, and now people can follow one from home," said Michael Maddox, B.Sc., President and Head of Life Support at the IMARCS Foundation. "Adopters see the same tank readings and notes we work from every day, and their support pays for the care these animals need."
Adoption money is earmarked for the reef residents and their care, including lighting, water, and tank equipment. The program is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Thai. It complements the Foundation's free marine science curriculum, released September 30.
About the IMARCS Foundation
The IMARCS Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) marine science nonprofit focused on giant clams, coral reefs, mangroves, and ocean chemistry, with a research and education facility in Japan. Learn more at imarcs.org.
Media Contact
Jordan Flagel, Vice President and Lead Researcher
The IMARCS Foundation
[email protected]
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