Samsung Uses Galaxy Technology to Support Coral Reef Restoration

Samsung Electronics continues its dedication to protecting the world’s oceans with an exciting new initiative aimed at restoring marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. The collaboration with Seatrees, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, and the University of California San Diego (UCSD), marks a significant step forward in the company’s long-standing commitment to the environment. By leveraging its cutting-edge Galaxy technology, Samsung is helping experts and local communities monitor and restore damaged coral reefs.

Since 2022, Samsung has been integrating recycled ghost nets, discarded fishing nets that contribute heavily to ocean pollution, into its Galaxy devices, starting with the Galaxy S22 series. By repurposing these materials, the company has already incorporated more than 150 tonnes of discarded nets into its products. Samsung’s focus on sustainable practices continues as it steps up its efforts to restore marine ecosystems and combat the adverse effects of climate change and ocean pollution.

With its latest project, Samsung has teamed up with Seatrees and UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography to provide mobile technology solutions that aid in coral reef restoration. The initiative focuses on using Galaxy camera technology to collect data and monitor the health of coral reefs. This collaboration empowers local activists and researchers to capture accurate imagery of coral reefs, which will help them better understand and address the challenges these ecosystems face.

Coral reefs, which cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, are home to about 25% of marine species. They provide vital resources such as food, income, and coastal protection for millions of people. However, coral reefs are rapidly declining due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. According to experts, if the current rate of decline continues, coral reefs may disappear by 2050.

In response, this initiative is equipping communities and researchers with mobile technology to democratize reef restoration efforts. The technology will help communities in regions like Fiji, Indonesia, and the U.S. monitor reef conditions, track restoration success, and analyze data more efficiently. This innovative approach aims to accelerate coral restoration efforts worldwide by providing an accessible and effective solution to monitor and intervene in reef health.

Accurate data collection is crucial for effective reef restoration. However, capturing precise images of coral reefs is challenging due to the underwater environment, which distorts colors and causes motion blur in photos. To address these challenges, Samsung developed a specialized camera mode called Ocean Mode for its Galaxy devices. This feature is designed to enhance the underwater photography capabilities of Galaxy phones, optimizing the camera’s white balance and reducing motion blur. By improving the quality of images captured during reef monitoring, Ocean Mode helps researchers gather more accurate data, which in turn supports better restoration strategies.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, a marine ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, highlighted the importance of accurate information for effective coral restoration. “Mobile technologies offer an exciting opportunity to expand access to this information and bridge gaps in coral reef research,” he said. The use of mobile devices in reef restoration also helps local communities in coastal areas access valuable tools that were previously out of reach.

Samsung’s initiative has already seen success in coral restoration projects in regions that have suffered significant coral decline. Over 11,000 coral fragments have been planted in Bali, Indonesia; Viti Levu Island, Fiji; and Florida, USA. By collaborating with Seatrees and UCSD, Samsung is empowering local communities to restore reefs efficiently, scaling efforts to protect the ocean’s biodiversity.

Michael Stewart, Co-Founder of Seatrees, emphasized the importance of collaboration in these efforts. “By working with Samsung and UCSD, we are able to share innovative tools that help local communities restore reefs at scale, providing hope for the future of ocean ecosystems.”

Samsung’s partnership with Seatrees and UCSD is just the beginning. As the initiative expands, more regions will benefit from this innovative technology, furthering the global effort to restore and protect coral reefs. Samsung remains committed to using its technology for good, continuously advancing sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on both people and the planet.

For more information about Samsung’s ongoing sustainability efforts and how they are driving positive change, visit the Samsung Sustainability Website.

To coincide with these groundbreaking initiatives, Samsung has launched pre-order offers for the new Galaxy S25 series. From 23 January to 13 February 2025, customers can enjoy up to RM1,600 in savings, including a double storage upgrade and special discounts when using CIMB bank cards. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this technological revolution and make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the latest Samsung Galaxy devices.

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