In an effort to further support the health and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems, Blue Ocean Mariculture has partnered with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and other conservation organizations to restore coral reefs using samples naturally grown on the company’s net pens off the Kona Coast.
“Our offshore team witnesses every day how marine life, including coral and other reef organisms, naturally establish on our net pens,” said Tyler Korte, Blue Ocean Mariculture VP of Marine Operations. “When the opportunity arose to contribute these coral samples for Hawaiʻi’s reef restoration efforts, we were eager to participate. It’s a point of pride for our team to play an active role in regenerating healthy reef ecosystems.”
The project involved removing nearly 11 years’ worth of coral growth from a decommissioned offshore fish pen. Blue Ocean Mariculture’s sustainable farming practices had allowed coral to naturally recruit and thrive on the pen’s structures. The collected coral was relocated to both a new coral nursery and natural reef environments to ensure their survival and future contributions to reef health.
A Collaborative Effort:
The three-day operation brought together divers from DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Arizona State University (ASU), and Blue Ocean Mariculture. Hundreds of large, healthy coral colonies were carefully removed and transported. Some coral was returned to the reef, while others were transferred to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Coral Restoration Nursery at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i, where they will receive specialized care.
“This initiative demonstrates the powerful synergy between sustainable aquaculture and marine conservation,” said Blue Ocean Mariculture CEO Dick Jones. “By partnering with DLNR and other organizations, we’re able to contribute directly to the regeneration of coral reefs, reinforcing environmental sustainability and ensuring the vitality of Hawaiʻi’s coastal waters for future generations.”
DLNR Coral Restoration Coordinator Zachary Craig noted that structures like Blue Ocean Mariculture’s net pens serve as ideal areas for coral to establish in the short term, but proper reef homes are critical for their long-term survival. “This collaboration resulted in one of the largest mature colony collections I’ve ever seen on Hawaiʻi Island,” Craig said.
Reinforcing Environmental Stewardship
The initiative highlights Blue Ocean Mariculture’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Through its innovative approach to aquaculture, the company has demonstrated how marine farming operations can coexist with and contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
Blue Ocean Mariculture looks forward to continued partnerships that promote the health and restoration of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems, aligning sustainable aquaculture with the preservation of vital ocean resources.