New Partnership for 2026: The Coral Planters x Blue Oceans x SSI
ecology
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The Coral Planters
As divers, we are the primary witnesses to the beauty and the fragility of the underwater world. We see the vibrant life of a healthy reef, but we also see the bleached skeletons and the disappearing biodiversity. Today, we are proud to announce a partnership that transforms that awareness into direct action.
SSI and Blue Oceans are officially joining forces with The Coral Planters for 2026.
In This Article
1. Introducing The Coral Planters
2. A Holistic Approach to Reef Restoration
- Coral Outplanting
- Scientific Monitoring
- Ocean Awareness (Edu'Coral Program)
- Community Engagement
3. Measurable Impact
4. Why This Partnership Matters
5. Dive Deeper into Coral Reef Conservation
Introducing The Coral Planters
Founded in 2017 by marine biologist Sébastien Stradal and marine engineer Thomas Le Berre, The Coral Planters is a French non-profit organization dedicated to large-scale coral reef restoration and global ocean awareness.
What began as a response to a devastating tsunami in the Maldives has grown into a global movement. Today, they manage active restoration projects across three countries—the Maldives, Mozambique, and Rodrigues Island—with a major expansion into Indonesia and beyond planned for 2026.
Image: GOPR2830 underwater coral reef image
The Coral Planters
A healthy coral reef ecosystem supported by long-term restoration and monitoring efforts.
A Holistic Approach to Reef Restoration
Unlike one-time coral planting initiatives, The Coral Planters operates on four integrated pillars to ensure long-term ecological success:
1. Coral Outplanting
Using innovative pyramid-shaped metal structures coated with mineralized substrate, the team transplants coral fragments collected sustainably from healthy donor colonies or storm-damaged areas.
Each fragment is carefully attached, positioned for optimal growth, and monitored over the long term.
2. Scientific Monitoring
Every six months, the team conducts photographic surveys to track coral growth rates, survival rates, and biodiversity recovery. This data informs adaptive management and ensures that restoration efforts are both effective and replicable.
GET INVOLVED: SSI Dive Logs Support Ocean Science - German Ocean Foundation
3. Ocean Awareness (Edu'Coral Program)
Recognizing that ocean protection begins on land, The Coral Planters raises awareness through their Edu'Coral program. Reaching approximately 15 schools per year in France, interactive workshops help students discover coral ecosystems and marine food chains, empowering them to become future ocean guardians.
4. Community Engagement
Local communities in restoration zones are trained and employed, transforming former fishermen into "reef gardeners." This ensures that conservation becomes economically viable and culturally embedded in the regions that need it most.
Image: GOPR2751 pyramid-shaped coral planting structure
The Coral Planters
Caption: Pyramid-shaped coral planting structures used by The Coral Planters to support long-term reef restoration.
Alt-text: Coral fragments attached to a pyramid-shaped reef restoration structure underwater.
Measurable Impact
Since 2017, the efforts of The Coral Planters have yielded incredible results:
- 40,315 coral fragments planted.
- 4,032 m² of degraded reef restored.
- 7 active restoration sites established across the ocean and beyond.
- Hundreds of students reached annually through Edu'Coral.
Each restored reef becomes a biodiversity hotspot, providing habitat for fish, protecting coastlines from erosion, and supporting local livelihoods dependent on healthy marine ecosystems.
The Coral Planters
Snorkeler assisting with coral restoration work on an artificial reef structure.
Why This Partnership Matters
Divers see the "silent reefs" firsthand. The SSI and Blue Oceans partnership with The Coral Planters is designed to transform that shared experience into tangible regeneration.
SSI and Blue Oceans will fund the outplanting and long-term monitoring of 800 corals in 2026!
In 2026, this collaboration will support the holistic restoration model of The Coral Planters, proving that the global diving community can be a powerful force for ocean health. Because the reefs we explore today deserve to thrive for the divers of tomorrow.
Learn more: thecoralplanters.org
Donate here: Support The Coral Planters
Follow the journey on Instagram: @thecoralplanters | @blueoceansprogram | @ssi_international
Dive Deeper into Coral Reef Conservation