Samsung’s Commitment to Marine Sustainability

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has taken significant strides in supporting marine sustainability by collaborating with partners who share a similar vision. The company has previously addressed the issue of plastic waste by converting discarded fishing nets into high-quality recycled materials for Galaxy devices. Now, Samsung is expanding its efforts with a new project aimed at restoring damaged marine ecosystems. The company is supporting initiatives to equip local communities and experts with mobile technology, helping them tackle the hidden challenges faced by marine ecosystems.

Progress in Marine Ecosystem Preservation

Samsung’s dedication to environmental protection for future generations is driven by innovation and a positive impact on people and the planet. This commitment has led Samsung to focus on preserving marine ecosystems using innovative technology. Starting with the Galaxy S22 Series in 2022, Samsung integrated recycled materials from used fishing nets, also known as ghost nets, into Galaxy devices. Since then, Samsung has continued to use recycled materials in all Galaxy mobile products, aiming to reduce the impact of plastic waste on fragile marine ecosystems.

Innovative Solutions for Coral Reef Restoration

Samsung is now taking further steps through collaborations with Seatrees, a non-profit organization based in the United States, and the University of California, San Diego. The Galaxy camera technology will be provided to coral reef restoration activists and researchers in coastal communities. This technology will help monitor and restore coral reefs affected by climate change and pollution.

“We started a commitment to preserve the sea when we changed used fish webs into the main components in the Galaxy S22 Series. Until now, we have integrated more than 150 tons of used fish webs into the main components of the Galaxy device,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing Mobile Experience Samsung Electronics. “This year, we further strengthen our commitment to sea sustainability by creating technology that aims to help protect and restore damaged marine ecosystems throughout the world.”

Samsung’s collaboration with Seatrees and UC San Diego aims to develop innovative technology that can improve global marine health. The company supports non-profit organizations and local community members in Fiji, Indonesia, and the United States with Galaxy technology to help restore coastal ecosystems. By utilizing mobile technology, these organizations seek to expand access and create more efficient processes in the recovery of coral reefs affected by climate change, overfishing, and sea pollution, such as discarded fishing nets.

Innovative Approach to Monitoring and Restoring Coral Reefs

Coral reefs, covering less than 1 percent of the seabed, support at least 25 percent of marine life, making them one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Millions of people worldwide depend on coral reefs for food, income, and coastal protection. With the current rate of decline, coral reefs are at risk of extinction by 2050. To support the rapid development of coral reef recovery projects globally, this initiative provides more sophisticated monitoring technology utilizing mobile devices as an easily accessible technology platform.

Researchers from Scripps Oceanography and local communities use photogrammetry to collect data, including photos of coral reefs, to analyze their health and growth. This allows them to develop 3D coral reef models that help researchers find the right steps to reduce the impact of climate change on coral reefs.

Accurate data is crucial for researchers to understand how coral reef restoration efforts affect marine ecosystems, helping to protect coral reefs worldwide. However, taking clear and accurate pictures of coral reefs is challenging. Images can be blurred due to movement when divers swim while taking thousands of photos, potentially reducing data accuracy. Water also absorbs warm colors, such as red and orange, which have higher light waves, resulting in darker and more bluish images compared to what is seen directly by the eye.

Recognizing the importance of accurate underwater cameras for global coral reef restoration efforts, Samsung has developed a camera mode called Ocean Mode, designed exclusively for this collaboration. Ocean Mode optimizes the default Galaxy camera to capture high-quality coral reef images underwater. This mode reduces blur due to movement and adjusts the color balance to improve the quality of underwater images, providing researchers with more accurate data. This enhances efforts to restore coral reefs through better analysis of the recovery of coral reef ecosystems.

“The design and implementation of coral reef recovery must be based on trusted information about what is successful and what is not,” said Dr. Stuart Sandin, Ecological Maritime of Scripps Oceanography Institution and Director of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Center. “Mobile technology provides an interesting opportunity to expand access to this information.”

“By developing innovative and easily accessible technology, this collaboration has the potential to help overcome obstacles and facilitate the research process and coral reef recovery so as to make large-scale scientific management more effective,” added Dr. Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, Human-Centered Technologist and BB Director of the UC San Diego Health Center.

Real-World Applications and Future Plans

Throughout 2024, Samsung has supported coral reef recovery projects in areas experiencing a decline in coral reef ecosystems, including Bali, Indonesia; Viti Levu Island, Fiji; and Florida, United States, with more than 11,000 pieces of coral reefs planted at the project sites. Committed to utilizing technology for the greater good, Samsung and its partners are united in the goal of restoring and preserving the world’s marine ecosystems for future generations. With the spirit of open collaboration, Samsung, along with these organizations, utilizes its wide reach to continue expanding the initiative to more regions in the coming months.

“This cooperation represents the collective efforts of various individuals and organizations that unite to rebuild hope through the recovery of marine ecosystems,” said Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of Seatrees. “By collaborating with Samsung and UC San Diego, we can share innovative tools to help local communities restore coral reefs efficiently on a large scale.”

About Seatrees

Seatrees restore and protect coastal ecosystems worldwide to combat climate change, increase biodiversity, and support local communities. Seatrees use a science-based approach to restore coral reefs, seaweed forests, mangrove forests, seagrass fields, and coastal watersheds. Seatrees projects support efforts to restore local communities and provide concrete ways for individuals and brands to create a better planet for future generations.

Conclusion

Samsung’s collaboration with Seatrees and UC San Diego represents a significant step forward in marine sustainability efforts. By leveraging innovative technology and community engagement, Samsung is helping to restore and protect coral reefs, which are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. This initiative not only benefits marine ecosystems but also provides a model for how technology can be used to address environmental challenges globally.