Twenty Feet Underwater at Historic Panel, OceanShot and PADI Announce Major Plans for 2024, including New ‘Blue Lab’ and Reef Expansion

Yesterday, the OceanShot project, which focuses on coral ecosystem restoration, announced its expansion at the Global Citizen Forum. The announcement took place during an underwater panel, a first-of-its-kind event. The panel brought together OceanShot’s founders, Dr. Deborah Brosnan and John Paul DeJoria, along with other influential figures to raise awareness about the state of our oceans and the importance of coral reefs.

The panel featured Dr. Drew Richardson, the CEO and President of PADI, Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, and Armand Arton, the founder of the Global Citizen Forum. They emphasized the need for collaboration across various sectors, including technology, government, science, and entrepreneurship. During the event, OceanShot revealed its plans for the next coral reef deployment and the construction of the OceanShot Lab in Antigua.

To watch the full panel, click here.

The importance of discussing the ocean in the ocean was highlighted by Dr. Brosnan, who stated that without the oceans, there would be no human existence. She emphasized that the oceans provide 50% of the planet’s oxygen and have absorbed 90% of the excess heat from climate change. Dr. Richardson, a prominent figure in scuba diving, expressed the critical role of partnerships in finding solutions for the health of coral reefs and the ocean. John Paul DeJoria stressed the importance of taking care of the ocean, as it belongs to everyone.

OceanShot, founded by Dr. Brosnan and John Paul DeJoria, aims to restore coral reef ecosystems and the services they provide. The project includes the recovery of resilient corals and has received support from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, PADI, and the Global Citizens Forum. The project has already shown promising results, with AI cameras capturing the presence of 36 fish species and other key invertebrates in the newly created habitats. The flagship project has grown to include 16 coral nursery trees, producing over 3,000 fragments for outplanting.

In the next phase of the project, OceanShot plans to break ground on the OceanShot Lab in Antigua. This lab will serve as a testing ground for new technologies and solutions that can be deployed in other island nations. Additionally, OceanShot will deploy more coral modules designed to support coral restoration and engage local communities, experts, and engineers in a year-long ecosystem study.

Dr. Brosnan emphasized that the goal is not just to restore corals but to create a functioning reef ecosystem that can mitigate climate change, sea level rise, and storm surge while supporting biodiversity and local economies. OceanShot is now ready to be implemented globally, helping governments prioritize ocean resilience and industries like fishing and tourism.

For more information about OceanShot, visit their website.

Deborah Brosnan & Associates, led by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, offers innovative science-based solutions to environmental challenges. With 25 years of experience, the company collaborates with clients worldwide to address climate change and environmental issues.

John Paul DeJoria, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, co-founded Paul Mitchell and Patrón Spirits Company. He is dedicated to giving back and has established the JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation to support charitable causes that contribute to a sustainable planet.

Original Source: [OceanShot Blog](https://www.deborahbrosnan.com/oceanshot-blog)
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