- Ken Nedimyer
- Coral Restoration Foundation
Ken Nedimyer developed a passion for the reef at an early age, diving and fishing in Florida Keys waters since 1969. Following graduation from Florida Atlantic University in 1978 with a degree in marine biology, Nedimyer moved to the Keys to follow his passion. His initial employment was working with students at Sea Camp on Big Pine Key during the summer, followed by two years at Ocean Farming Systems Inc, a mariculture facility in the Upper Keys. In 1981, he formed his own marine specimen company that supplies hobbyists, pet stores, public aquariums, and researchers. In 1994, Nedimyer developed the first offshore live rock aquaculture farm in the Keys and is one of the main producers of aquacultured live rock in Florida.
Since 2000, Nedimyer’s attention has turned more toward research and restoration, particularly sea urchins (Diadema) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). His offshore aquacultured live rock site also houses his underwater coral nursery - the first of its kind in the nation. This expanding nursery offers a steady supply of healthy staghorn coral colonies for research and restoration projects in the Upper Keys. His coral work has gained local, state, and national attention, and the numerous programs for community involvement led him to form the Coral Restoration Foundation (www.coralrestoration.org) in 2007.
Ken Nedimyer resides in Tavernier, Florida, with his wife and four daughters. In addition to the online tropical fish business, he also owns an online marketing business. Nedimyer currently serves as the president of the Florida Marine Life Association, president of the Coral Restoration Foundation, a member of the Coral Advisory panel for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and Vice-Chair of the Sanctuary Advisory Council for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
