Transforming Oceans: ‘Coral in Focus’ Premieres at the UN Ocean Conference, Igniting Urgency for Innovative Reef Restoration
A new documentary, “Coral in Focus,” co-produced by Samsung Electronics and Seatrees, highlights the urgent need for coral reef restoration using advanced Galaxy technology. Premiering at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France, the film sheds light on the global coral crisis as it coincides with World Oceans Day.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Quentin van den Bossche, “Coral in Focus” takes viewers on a journey featuring scientists, engineers, and local conservationists tackling the pressing threats faced by coral reefs, which are vital for a billion people and a quarter of all marine life. This initiative is part of a broader campaign announced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, where Samsung revealed its partnership with Seatrees to enhance coastal ecosystem restoration in regions including Fiji, Indonesia, and the United States, employing Galaxy camera technology to document and support marine recovery efforts.
The documentary illuminates the hidden crisis of coral bleaching, with over 80% of the world’s reefs affected amid record ocean temperatures. The bleaching process strips corals of the algae that nourish them, endangering biodiversity and food security while exacerbating coastal vulnerability. While long-term climate action is crucial, the need for immediate restoration strategies, supported by innovation, cannot be overstated.
Samsung and Seatrees, in collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, have developed Ocean Mode, a unique camera feature designed specifically for underwater photography. This innovation enhances the Galaxy S24 Ultra into a marine research tool, capable of capturing high-resolution images even in challenging underwater conditions. By correcting the excessive blue hues characteristic of underwater shots and mitigating motion blur, Ocean Mode enables scientists and conservationists to document and monitor reef health effectively. The feature allows users to generate 3D models of coral reefs through photogrammetry, helping researchers visualize the dynamics of reef ecosystems over time.
Since launching the coral restoration initiative, collaborators have achieved remarkable results, including the successful planting of over 14,000 coral fragments across expansive reef habitats. The documentary premiere at Ocean House fostered meaningful discussions among scientists, sustainability advocates, and storytellers, emphasizing the role of technology in shaping the future of coral reefs.
“Ocean Mode became its own character in the documentary,” said director van den Bossche, stressing the visual impact of showing comparisons between standard photography and that captured with Ocean Mode. Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees, echoed the importance of high-quality imaging in effective monitoring, stating, “Our local partners have really appreciated Ocean Mode because it has improved their ability to capture higher-quality images.”
Dr. Daniel Wangpraseurt from Scripps Institution underscored the potential of smartphones as tools to connect communities with ecosystems, remarking, “Mobile technology is a powerful way to connect communities with ecosystems they may never physically encounter.” Samsung’s Cassie Smith highlighted the company’s commitment to ocean health, noting how Galaxy technology facilitates significant advancements in coral restoration efforts.
The film’s premiere aligns with Samsung’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations, building upon initiatives that incorporate recycled materials into its devices. As initiatives like Ocean Mode grow, they represent not just technological innovation, but a critical stride towards protecting our oceans. For a deeper look into this documentary and the collaboration, visit the Samsung x Seatrees partnership website.
Tags: Coral Restoration, Samsung, Seatrees, Ocean Conservation, Technology, Marine Life, Climate Action.
Original Source: https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/feature-stories/coral-in-focus-premieres-at-the-united-nations-ocean-conference-spotlighting-innovation-and-urgency-in-reef-restoration/
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Publish Date: 2025-06-16 04:33:00
