Scubapro partners with Mote Marine Laboratory to protect coral reefs
December 16, 2023Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has partnered with Johnson Outdoors and its Scubapro brand to establish a community coral reef restoration program. This initiative allows divers to actively contribute to the well-being of coral reefs. Johnson Outdoors aims to make a positive impact on the environment and is thrilled about collaborating with Mote Marine Laboratory to offer divers the opportunity to participate in coral reef restoration. Coral reefs are crucial to the ocean ecosystem, supporting 25% of marine life worldwide. Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the program’s integration of groundbreaking science. Scubapro will team up with its network of ocean conservation-conscious brand dealers to organize coral reef restoration events, which provide divers with firsthand experience of Mote’s science-based research and conservation efforts. The program includes comprehensive learning about coral reef ecology and practical involvement in Mote’s innovative coral reef restoration techniques. Participants will be exposed to microfragmentation and reskinning, a Mote-developed technique that accelerates coral growth up to 50 times faster than natural coral growth. Additionally, participants can contribute to maintaining Mote’s underwater coral tree nurseries and planting coral fragments on real ocean reefs. Scubapro and Mote welcome all scuba divers to join them in these restoration events.
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