Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, yet they are rapidly declining due to global warming and local anthropogenic pressures. This interdisciplinary project applies non-linear physics and complex systems modeling to improve our understanding of coral reef dynamics and inform marine conservation strategies.By combining ecological knowledge with methods from statistical mechanics, non-equilibrium systems, and numerical simulations, the project develops scalable models of coral growth and reef-scale interactions. These models bridge spatial scales—from individual coral colonies to entire reef structures—and offer new theoretical insights into coral self-organization and spatial pattern formation. Two main applications are addressed: the formation of grazing halos—circular bare zones around reefs driven by herbivory—modeled as emergent spatial phenomena to evaluate reef health; and the optimization of coral restoration efforts by identifying spatial configurations that enhance survival and reduce costs. The outcomes support evidence-based strategies for conservation and restoration, contributing to the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 by promoting the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and enhancing coastal resilience.