December 7, 2023 marked a significant milestone in the realm of ocean conservation as OceanShot, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to restoring coral ecosystems, unveiled its ambitious expansion plans at the Global Citizen Forum during a first-of-its-kind underwater panel. As a brand deeply committed to marine conservation, PADI was honored to participate in this historic underwater panel alongside esteemed partners and advocates.

The visionary minds behind OceanShot, Dr. Deborah Brosnan and John Paul DeJoria, orchestrated the pioneering event, submerging our dialogue beneath the waves to shed light on the urgent plight of our oceans and the critical role played by coral reefs in sustaining our planet’s health.

Engaging in this unprecedented underwater meeting, Dr. Drew Richardson, CEO and President of PADI, joined forces with the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne, and Armand Arton, the founder of the Global Citizen Forum. Together, the panel emphasized the imperative need for collaborative efforts across various sectors encompassing technology, government, science, and entrepreneurship. The forum culminated in the announcement of OceanShot’s forthcoming coral reef deployment and the groundbreaking of the OceanShot Lab in Antigua.

Dr. Brosnan poignantly remarked, “Talking about the importance of our oceans, in the ocean, is unique, and it brings home our powerful connection to the sea. It’s quite simple: no oceans, no us is a fact.” Her words underscore the undeniable truth that the ocean, responsible for generating 50% of the planet’s oxygen and absorbing 90% of climate change-induced heat, is intricately linked to our survival.

Dr. Richardson, a driving force behind PADI’s mission to nurture a billion Ocean Torchbearers, emphasized the pivotal role of our decisions and actions in safeguarding the future of our oceans. “The future of the world’s ocean has never been more dependent on our decisions and actions to prioritize ocean life support,” he remarked, reiterating our joint commitment to innovative solutions for coral reef health and our shared future on this blue planet.

John Paul DeJoria echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “The ocean belongs to all of us, and together we’ve got to do right by it.” His resounding call for action reflects our collective responsibility to protect this invaluable resource.

About OceanShot

OceanShot’s journey began a year ago with Dr. Brosnan at the helm, advocating for the restoration of reef ecosystems in partnership with John Paul DeJoria, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, and collaborations with PADI and the Global Citizens Forum. Through AI-equipped cameras deployed on the ocean floor, the project has witnessed the migration of 36 fish species and various essential invertebrates to newly created habitats, signaling a positive impact on marine life.

Expanding its horizons, OceanShot’s initiatives are designed to be scalable and transferable to other areas. Notably, the project is now venturing into Antigua and the United States, with two significant developments on the horizon:

OceanShot Living Lab: Breaking ground in Antigua and Barbuda, this lab will serve as a hub for testing innovative technologies aimed at nurturing reefs and marine life. The ultimate goal is to craft replicable solutions for other island nations.
Expansion of Reef Modules: OceanShot is gearing up to deploy custom-designed coral modules in Antigua, mirroring the successful flagship project off the coast of Barbuda. This expansion will involve extensive collaboration with local communities, marine biologists, sea level rise experts, and coastal engineers to conduct a comprehensive year-long study for optimal coral module design.

Dr. Brosnan emphasizes, “We are not only working to restore corals, but to create a fully functioning reef ecosystem that has the ability to mitigate climate change, sea level rise, storm surge and keep sand on the beaches.” OceanShot’s global potential lies not only in coral restoration but in fostering ocean resilience and bolstering industries like fishing and tourism while restoring biodiversity.

As an ardent advocate for ocean preservation, PADI is proud to be part of this monumental endeavor. Our commitment to nurturing healthy oceans and preserving these precious ecosystems aligns seamlessly with OceanShot’s mission. Together, let’s dive into action and safeguard the future of our blue planet.

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