World Oceans Day – Coral Reef Restoration Research at Castaway Cay

This coral reef restoration project in The Bahamas is just one of many ways Disney is supporting environmental efforts around the world. The Disney Conservation Fund has provided nearly $13 million to marine conservation programs spanning every ocean across the globe, including more than 70 grants to help protect coral reefs.

Disney Cruise Line has been  committed to minimizing our impact on the environment – not just because they are developing a new private destination at Lighthouse Point. Most recently, Disney announced the elimination of plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, shopping bags and condiment packets in an effort to significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic onboard.

In fact, earlier this year, new reusable shopping bags debuted onboard and at Castaway Cay.

Disney Science Operations Manager Dr. Andy Stamper focuses on the wellbeing of oceans and marine life around the globe. In partnership with Disney Cruise Line and The Disney Conservation Fund, Dr. Stamper is leading a multi-year project to rehabilitate coral reefs in The Bahamas. Dr. Stamper, alongside a team of Cast and Crew Members, was the first in The Bahamas to implement coral nurseries. And as a result, they’re able to study the impacts on reefs as well as successfully grow and transplant new corals.

One of the issues endangering coral reefs is the overgrowth of algae, preventing new coral to grow. Dr. Stamper and his team work together to relocate long-spine sea urchins native to the area to nearby coral reefs endangered by algae growth. The sea urchins graze on algae similar to how a lawnmower cuts grass, allowing new coral to grow.

Now for a little fun, here is a printable coloring sheet to celebrate World Oceans Day on land.

Coordinated and promoted internationally by The Ocean Project since 2002, World Oceans Day is an annual celebration on June 8 as well as a call for ocean conservation action throughout the year. Starting in 2009, World Oceans Day has also been officially recognized by the United Nations. This celebration of our ocean brings together organizations and individuals from schools, universities, aquariums, zoos, businesses, and others, including divers, surfers, sailors, communities of faith, governments, the maritime, recreational and tourism industries

“World Oceans Day is the perfect chance to shine the spotlight on the ocean and to celebrate the many ways that oceans sustain people and our planet,” said Jack Johnson, Musician, Surfer and Environmental Activist. “We can all take action on World Oceans Day, joining youth leaders and a global movement, to come together in support of healthy and plastic free seas.”

You can learn more about World Oceans Day here and you can read more about Disney Cruise Line’s environmental efforts here.

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