Samsung Partners with Seatrees to Restore Coral Reefs Using Galaxy Technology

Samsung Electronics is taking its commitment to preserving the planet’s oceans to the next level, pushing boundaries with innovative solutions that harness the power of technology for the restoration of coral reefs. In a bold new initiative, the company has partnered with Seatrees, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) to restore coral reefs using Galaxy mobile devices. By combining cutting-edge mobile technology with local expertise, Samsung is bringing hope to fragile marine ecosystems worldwide.

Samsung’s journey towards a more sustainable future began in 2022, when it first introduced recycled fishing nets—collected from the oceans and transformed into components for its Galaxy S22 series. This initiative, part of Samsung’s broader efforts to address the global plastic waste crisis, led to the successful incorporation of over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets into the production of Galaxy devices. As part of its ongoing commitment to ocean conservation, Samsung is expanding this mission through the development of technologies aimed at revitalizing marine ecosystems.

Through its collaboration with Seatrees and UCSD, Samsung is utilizing Galaxy technology to support the restoration of coral reefs, a vital component of marine biodiversity. Coral reefs, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, sustain 25% of all marine life. As one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, they play a crucial role in food security, coastal protection, and income generation for millions of people worldwide.

As coral reefs continue to face threats from climate change, ocean pollution, and overfishing, it has become increasingly urgent to develop effective strategies for their restoration. Traditional restoration methods, while valuable, have limitations in data collection and monitoring, which is where Samsung’s Galaxy devices come in.

By providing local researchers and restoration activists with the latest in mobile technology, Samsung aims to improve coral reef monitoring and restoration efforts. Galaxy devices, equipped with specialized features like Ocean Mode, allow users to capture high-quality images of coral reefs, crucial for assessing reef health and determining the most effective restoration strategies.

The introduction of Ocean Mode on Galaxy smartphones addresses key challenges in underwater photography, such as motion blur and color distortion. By adjusting the camera’s settings for underwater conditions, Ocean Mode ensures that photos taken by divers are sharper and more accurate, providing valuable data for scientists studying coral reef recovery.

Samsung’s partnership with UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Seatrees brings together a team of marine ecologists, technologists, and local communities working toward a common goal: the restoration of coral reefs. By using photogrammetry—a technique that involves taking a series of photographs to create 3D models—researchers are able to track coral health, growth, and the overall success of restoration efforts.

Samsung’s mobile technology enhances these efforts by providing an accessible platform for capturing precise data, which is then used to develop intervention strategies. This collaboration is enabling more effective coral restoration projects by simplifying the data collection process and expanding access to essential tools.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, Marine Ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, explains, “Reliable information is crucial to understanding what works in coral restoration. Mobile technology has the power to revolutionize how we collect and share this information, making restoration efforts more efficient and effective.”

As part of this initiative, Samsung is supporting restoration projects across multiple regions, including Bali, Indonesia; Viti Levu Island, Fiji; and Florida, USA. The company’s efforts have already contributed to the planting of over 11,000 coral fragments, with ongoing restoration work in these areas. By combining innovative technology with the expertise of local communities, Samsung is helping to revitalize ecosystems that are critical to the health of the planet.

“Together with Samsung and UCSD, Seatrees is thrilled to offer a new level of support to local communities working to restore coral reefs,” said Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of Seatrees. “Through this partnership, we can scale our restoration efforts and make a real impact on the future of our oceans.”

Samsung’s continued collaboration with Seatrees, UCSD, and other partners will expand this initiative to additional regions around the world, ensuring that more communities have access to the technology they need to restore coral reefs. Samsung’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is evident not only in its products but also in its proactive efforts to tackle the urgent challenges facing the world’s oceans.

For more information about Samsung’s environmental initiatives, visit their Sustainability Website.

Samsung’s dedication to innovation and sustainability is mirrored in the newly launched Galaxy S25 series. From now until 13 February 2025, customers can enjoy exclusive offers when pre-ordering the latest Galaxy smartphones. With up to RM1,600 in savings, a double storage upgrade, and special discounts with CIMB bank cards, Samsung is making it easier for customers to embrace the future while supporting a more sustainable world. Be part of the change and pre-order your Galaxy S25 series today.

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