Information — The Coral Ark

The Coral Archivist

Javier Soler is a coral ecologist and photographer based in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. For over a decade, he has been dedicated to advancing coral conservation through sustainable aquaculture, species propagation, and high-fidelity documentation using UV fluorescent photography.

He currently leads the coral development and conservation program for The Nature Conservancy in St. Croix, where he oversees restoration strategies and large-scale growth initiatives. His work is central to shaping the future of reef rehabilitation not only in the Caribbean, but as part of a broader global effort to preserve coral ecosystems.

Javier’s fieldwork emphasizes Indo-Pacific and Australian coral species, and he has been instrumental in projects like The Coral Ark—a visual archive and preservation effort that documents rare, endangered, and fully aqua-cultured coral species. His imagery captures corals grown and restored through pioneering aquaculture techniques, including those outplanted onto wild reefs to re-establish healthy populations.

His photography has been featured in international publications and conservation campaigns, combining scientific precision with artistic depth. Through his lens, Javier invites the world to witness the complexity, fragility, and resilience of coral life—and to better understand the urgency of its protection.

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

JAVIER SOLER - THE CORAL ARK