Our Mission
Mission Statement
Saving Our Oceans, One Reef At A Time!
Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) is a 501(c)(3) marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that implements innovative technologies to restore our marine environments.
Through the creation of artificial reefs designed to incorporate art, innovative designs, and safe materials, ORAI enhances marine habitats and provides unique diving locations worldwide. However, we also strongly advocate that the main causes of habitat loss (local stressors and climate change) must be corrected to maximize restoration effectiveness. Our artificial reefs serve as a targeted solution in the face of pressing marine habitat challenges, to increase coastal resiliency, expand ecosystem services and create lasting habitat for biodiverse marine organisms.
Memorial Reefs & Artistic Sculptures
Our artistically crafted reefs enable every individual the opportunity to create an eternal reef for their loved one or company by creating a lasting memory on the ocean floor that will also help restore our marine ecosystems.
Marine Conservation & Education
Our education program seeks to empower and inspire our future generations to maintain our marine environments. Our citizen science program, Coral Rangers, engages our local communities in reef monitoring and restoration efforts, allowing everyone an opportunity to impact reef restoration.
Research & Restoration
Our research investigates artificial reef design improvements, applied reef restoration, coastal protection with wave reduction modules, fish population dynamics and recruitment to contribute to effective restoration. Our goal is to spread awareness and create marine habitats that will last for generations to come.
Contributing to sustainable restoration through these Ocean Rescue Alliance Waves of Action!
Collaboration
We partner with like minded organizations to support marine conservation and to further marine restoration efforts.
Restoration
Our dedication to improving marine habitats is evident in our projects. Our restoration strategies take a process improvement and adaptive approach to address the challenges of our ongoing restoration projects. We develop innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of marine habitat restoration and coral, oyster and mangrove out-planting efforts.
Research
We conduct research to improve our module designs and enhance marine habitat to mimic natural reefs. Our goal is to increase fish biodiversity and improve coral restoration efficiency. By monitoring coral growth, fish populations dynamics and recruitment on our reefs we are able to apply design improvements to contribute to effective restoration.
Reefs Protect Our Coastlines & Promote Species Biodiversity. Artificial Reefs Add to the Blue Economy.
Source: F. Ferrario, M.W. Beck, C.D. Storlazzi, F. Micheli, C.C. Shepard, and L. Airoldi, “The Effectiveness of Coral Reefs for Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction and Adaptation,” Nature Communications (2014), doi:10.1038/ncomms4794
© 2014 The Pew Charitable Trusts
The World Bank
Ocean Rescue Alliance pioneering a new space of innovation in the Blue Economy. Read the paper here.
Credit: Creative Investment Research: Alice Gabidoulline, Impact Investing Intern