Our Programs
Plant a tree, support the Orcas
Oceans, such as trees have a direct role in our oxygen input. This is why we have decided to closely collaborate with One Tree Planted; And more specifically on two particular projects: « THE ORCAS PROJECT » & « THE URBAN TREE PLANTING » in Los Angeles.
The Southern Resident orcas, are an ICON of the Pacific Northwest. Sadly, there are only 75 Southern Resident orcas remaining - which makes them an endangered species, and they are starving! Toxic contaminants and lack of prey, are the two primary threats. Planting trees from British Columbia to Northern California to restore critical salmon habitat will go a long way to making sure the orca have enough healthy, toxin free food to eat - and it’s an action that can be taken today.
EXTINCT MEANS FOREVER, BUT ENDANGERED MEANS WE HAVE TIME TO BRING THIS POD BACK FROM THE BRINK !
Save the coral, save the coast!
While coral reefs take up a small space in the ocean, they protect the shoreline from erosion and storm surge, protect all coastlines from 97% of all wave energy, provide a habitat for 25% of marine life and help produce 70% of the world’s oxygen.
Coral is currently one of the most important animals on the planet responsible for billions of dollars of coastal infrastructure. The Reef Institute is on a mission of coral conservation through education research and restoration. Partnering with government agencies, large aquariums and other organizations across the Caribbean the Reef Institute has embarked on many endeavors. The cornerstone program is gene banking or land based holding. At the Reef Institute, we know that a major part of the coral restoration effort in the next decade will include large scale land based coral amplification systems. In anticipation of this need TRI is exploring additional facilities. The goal of such facilities would be to produce coral in a controlled, hurricane proof, adaptive manner with a goal of “outplanting,” or using for ocean restoration efforts. Depending on scientific and restoration needs, coral spawning and micro fragmentation schemes could be diversified and optimized for maximum survival and long term success towards rescuing and regrowing coral reefs. Supervised by a coral specialized veterinarian and highly qualified marine biologist aquarists, the facilities systems are all advanced enough to be modified to accommodate a variety of coral species and even enhance coral resilience against ocean acidification, increased temperature, or future diseases.
