11/19/2024
In an effort to further support the health and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems, Blue Ocean Mariculture has partnered with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and other conservation organizations to restore coral reefs using samples naturally grown on the company’s net pens off the Kona Coast.
“Our offshore team witnesses every day how marine life, including coral and other reef organisms, naturally establish on our net pens,” said Tyler Korte, Blue Ocean Mariculture VP of Marine Operations. “When the opportunity arose to contribute these coral samples for Hawaiʻi’s reef restoration efforts, we were eager to participate. It’s a point of pride for our team to play an active role in regenerating healthy reef ecosystems.”
The project involved removing nearly 11 years’ worth of coral growth from a decommissioned offshore fish pen. Blue Ocean Mariculture’s sustainable farming practices had allowed coral to naturally recruit and thrive on the pen’s structures. The collected coral was relocated to both a new coral nursery and natural reef environments to ensure their survival and future contributions to reef health.
“This initiative demonstrates the powerful synergy between sustainable aquaculture and marine conservation,” said Blue Ocean Mariculture CEO Dick Jones. “By partnering with DLNR and other organizations, we’re able to contribute directly to the regeneration of coral reefs, reinforcing environmental sustainability and ensuring the vitality of Hawaiʻi’s coastal waters for future generations.”
(Read More: https://info.bofish.com/coral)
