Samsung Electronics has reached an important milestone in its journey to support marine conservation, marking one year of collaboration with Seatrees, a nonprofit dedicated to repairing and preserving marine ecosystems. This initiative aligns with Samsung’s long-standing commitment to ocean preservation, which began with the innovative recycling of discarded fishing nets into materials for Galaxy smartphones, starting with the Galaxy S22 series. Over time, this practice expanded to include tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. Now, Samsung is taking its efforts a step further by actively participating in coral reef restoration projects. This article delves into how Samsung’s technological advancements, particularly through its Galaxy camera, are playing a pivotal role in these environmental efforts.
Collaborative Efforts to Support Marine Ecosystems
In January 2025, during the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung introduced the "Coral in Focus" initiative, which aims to restore coastal ecosystems by supporting local communities in places like Fiji, Indonesia, and the United States. This project is a testament to Samsung’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its innovative approach to tackling ecological challenges.
Samsung’s partnership with Seatrees has brought about groundbreaking solutions for coral reef restoration. A notable advancement is the Ocean Mode feature on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This exclusive camera feature is designed to capture vivid underwater images, which are crucial for marine researchers. These images aid in creating detailed 3D photogrammetry models, a technique that uses photographs to measure and map objects in three dimensions, allowing for continuous monitoring and analysis of coral reefs. Local organizations then use this data to inform their coral restoration strategies on the ground.
Innovative Camera Technology: Ocean Mode
Ocean Mode is a significant leap in underwater photography technology. It addresses the common issue of excessive blue tones in underwater images, which can distort the true colors of corals. By optimizing the camera’s shutter speed and employing multi-frame image processing, Ocean Mode also minimizes motion blur, resulting in clearer images. Furthermore, the interval shooting function allows for the capture of thousands of high-resolution images in a single session, enhancing both efficiency and clarity.
The fruits of these efforts are already visible. The images captured using Ocean Mode have been instrumental in producing 17 detailed 3D models of coral reefs. These models help scientists to assess the health and growth of coral ecosystems accurately. To date, this initiative has led to the planting of over 11,046 coral fragments, restoring an area of coral reef habitat equivalent to the size of 25 basketball courts.
Samsung’s Broader Environmental Vision
Samsung’s environmental vision, known as "Galaxy for the Planet," was unveiled in 2021. It underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability, not only by incorporating ocean-bound plastics into its products but also by engaging in broader ecological restoration projects. This vision is a clear reflection of Samsung’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint throughout the entire product lifecycle and beyond.
The company’s involvement in marine ecosystem restoration projects is part of a broader strategy to address environmental issues actively. By using technology for ecological benefit, Samsung exemplifies how innovation can be harnessed to make a positive impact on the planet.
Why This Matters
Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for many marine organisms. They also play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from the effects of wave action and tropical storms. Unfortunately, coral reefs worldwide are under threat from climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. Initiatives like Samsung’s, which combine technology with environmental conservation efforts, are essential to preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
Samsung’s collaboration with Seatrees and the introduction of Ocean Mode are exemplary models of how corporations can leverage their resources and technology to contribute positively to environmental conservation. By supporting local communities and providing them with the tools and data necessary to restore coral reefs, Samsung is not only helping to preserve marine biodiversity but also promoting global awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.
Conclusion
Samsung’s efforts in marine conservation, particularly through the Coral in Focus initiative and the innovative use of the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Ocean Mode, highlight the potential of technology to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. As we continue to face the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, partnerships like the one between Samsung and Seatrees serve as vital reminders of the role that technology can play in fostering a more sustainable and resilient future.
For further reading and updates on this initiative, you can visit the Samsung Newsroom here.
Through these efforts, Samsung is setting a precedent for other corporations to follow, showcasing that with innovation and collaboration, we can make significant strides in restoring the health of our planet’s ecosystems.
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