History

History of Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI)

Ocean Rescue Alliance International, founded by Shelby Thomas, is a non-profit organization that uses artificial structure to to enhance marine environments, build marine habitat, conduct restoration, protect coast lines, and connect communities through art. Integrating applied restoration of oysters, mangroves and corals methods to scale marine ecosystem restoration. We primarily specialize in designing innovative and adaptive techniques to restore our marine environments. Uniting with other research institutions, experts, partners and organizations , we more effectively address gaps within existing restoration strategies. The primary goal of ORAI’s artificial reefs program is to design and construct structures that mimic natural reef habitat and inspire with functional art. As scientists, we deeply appreciate that marine habitat loss cannot be rectified through restoration practices alone, especially given the huge scale of degradation. However, the aim of our structures is to provide healing time refugia through highly targeted supplemental habitats at strategic locations to protect, conserve and restore marine life while promoting fish biodiversity and enabling direct out-planting of oysters, mangroves, and corals. Technologies, such as the Coral Lok help increase the efficiency of coral out-planting, enabling more coral to be out-planted at one time. ORAI aims to address multiple marine ecosystem restoration strategies including oyster, mangrove, and coral restoration while expanding on coastal protection and resiliency, such as wave reduction modules that aid in preventing coastal erosion and protecting coastlines.

ORAI merged the passion of art from the 1000 Mermaids Project to further expand new art initiatives that connect the local community culture and history. We utilize art as a problem solver to connect people with the ocean.