OceanShot Expands Coral Restoration Project Ahead of World Oceans Day
OceanShot, an innovative coral ecosystem restoration initiative led by renowned marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, announced its latest expansion just before World Oceans Day. At the United Nations’ fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) last week, co-founder John Paul DeJoria proudly revealed the launch of the OceanShot Innovation Learning Lab on Barbuda. This lab will focus on studying coral reef science and design, aiming to create more effective reefs that combat wave action and climate change. With this new facility, the project aims to scale solutions that can be applied to other SIDS.
“OceanShot benefits both people and the planet,” said Dr. Brosnan. “Establishing a learning lab on a small island allows for the integration of new technology, scientists, and local communities. There is a wealth of talent on small islands but often limited opportunities.”
John Paul DeJoria, speaking remotely, emphasized the importance of private investment in creating opportunities and addressing challenges. “I’m committed to building our OceanShot Innovation Center of Learning. This program will train the community to address their own challenges and adopt a scientific approach. Investing in biodiversity and job creation is beneficial for the land, the ocean, and the Barbudan people, offering a good return.”
The announcement was made as Deborah Brosnan & Associates hosted a high-level UN SIDS4 panel in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Fugro. The panel, “Assigning Cross Sector Values to Nature-Based Interventions and Solutions for the Oceans and Specifically for SIDS,” emphasized the importance of investing in nature-based solutions to revitalize SIDS economies, sustain biodiversity, and create resilience.
Panel participants included Dr. Deborah Brosnan, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister of Tourism Charles Henry Fernandez, UN Global Fund for Coral Reefs Deputy Director Yabanex Batista, World Bank’s Dr. Valerie Hickey, and Fugro’s David Millar, with expert commentary from Ambassador Fergal Mythen, International Coral Reef Initiative’s Margaux Monafred, and Flora and Fauna International’s James Crockett.
“Rarely do sectors – scientists, private sector, and governments – come together to understand each other’s perspectives and find common ground,” said Dr. Brosnan. “Nature-based solutions support the triple bottom line of environment, adaptation, and growth, preventing SIDS from choosing between growth and disaster recovery.”
Panelists highlighted the need to modernize our approach with data, science-driven methods, financing innovations, supportive policies, and widespread engagement. As Dr. Valerie Hickey noted, nature-based solutions are dual-technology offering real solutions to the triple bottom line and must be properly implemented.
SIDS, home to approximately 65 million people, are stewards of the ocean and biodiversity. However, they face high import/export costs, rising debt, and worsening climate impacts. For SIDS, key metrics like biodiversity, economic returns, and coastal resilience capture the benefits of nature-based solutions.
ABOUT OCEANSHOT
Founded by Dr. Deborah Brosnan and John Paul DeJoria, OceanShot is a scalable coral reef restoration project. It aims to restore ocean ecosystems, protect communities from storms and sea level rise, and revive ocean-dependent economies. The project involves coral reef biologists, sea level rise experts, coastal engineers, and local communities in a year-long ecosystem study using AI to analyze fish diversity, coral growth, and wave patterns. Reefs are designed in labs and planted in the ocean.
In October 2022, OceanShot deployed five reef modules off Barbuda, with more in the design process. The OceanShot Center and Innovation Lab on Barbuda were announced by DeJoria, Dr. Brosnan, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister.
ABOUT DEBORAH BROSNAN & ASSOCIATES
Deborah Brosnan & Associates, led by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, provides science-based UN SIDS4 to global clients. They specialize in lasting solutions to climate change and environmental challenges.
Article Credit: travelandtourworld