Save Coral, Save the World.
Our oceans are facing an unprecedented crisis. Widespread, severe heat stress across all major ocean basins defined as a Global-scale Bleaching Event, is affecting a staggering 84% of the world's coral reefs.
Save Coral is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of global coral reef ecosystems.
Through innovative global partnerships and eco-tourism initiatives, we work to implement cutting-edge scientific solutions to revive our planet's underwater biodiversity, as well as support activities focused on aggressive ocean plastic pollution removal and prevention.
During a bleaching event, water temperatures are elevated above the baseline average for undetermined periods of time. The heat stressed algae within the coral start producing toxic byproducts which triggers the coral to kick them out.
With the algae gone from the structure, the coral loses its coloring, turns white, and it no longer has an easy source of food and begins to starve. It also becomes vulnerable to pollution and other dangerous pathogens.
Corals are creatures too!
Coral is often mistaken for a plant, however it is actually a marine invertebrate animal similar to jellyfish and sea anemones. They live in colonies of polyps and have hard skeletons made of calcium.
Most corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae for which the photosynthetic byproduct it produces, sugar, is used by the coral in exchange for sheltering the algae within the coral polyps.
If the stress is temporary,then the coral has a chance to reestablish it's algae colony and live.
Otherwise, the coral slowly starves and dies.
Global coral reef conservation organizations agree,
if coral reef ecosystems collapse...
Fish Populations
25% of fish species would be lost due to overgrowth of algae on the ocean floor and a reduction in oxygen in the water. Millions of people and coastal fisheries that rely on reef fish for food and income will be devastated.
Local Economies
Tourism for these beautiful coastal destinations would severely decline, again affecting the local communities who rely on tourism as a majority of their economy.
Coastline Devastation
The coastal shores would no longer have the protection of the natural barrier the reef creates and become vulnerable to erosion and destruction from storms.
Save Coral Cowboy Activities
Coral Restoration Efforts Locally and Globally
Save Coral Cowboys will be volunteering time, resources, and transportation to coral nursery sites around the world that specialize in housing and growing various coral species, as well as those that may help propagate super coral traits such as heat resistance and immunities to dangerous pathogens.
Eco-Tourism Programs
Save Coral Cowboys will organize programs that will bring eco-conscious people together for day sails or longer excursions aboard their future sailing catamaran, Ohana. These trips will not only educate tourists about the on-going coral restorations effort, but will get them actively involved in the process.
Beach and Ocean Clean-ups
Save Coral Cowboys will be organizing beach and ocean clean up days, to help bring awareness to the ocean plastic pollution problem. We will also be partnering with organizations that can help with disposal or recycling of the materials found.