Pet food helps to restore coral reefs

As far as we know coral has no taste for canned pet food whatsoever. But somehow the two became related in recent years. The pet food brand Sheba unveiled hope reef as part of the large coral restoration program off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia a few years ago. The process is still under way and its goal is to restore 1.9 Million square feet of coral reef before 2030. To put that size in perspective this reef will encompass the area of over 40 football fields once completed.

The method used employs the help of divers who install metal structures called Reef Stars to the ocean floor. These Reef Stars are interconnected and are used to give a stable basis for the deployment of coral fragments. There have been other methods used previously to increase reef growth. From Cement structures, to tiles over to the sinking of decommissioned ships or old shipping containers, there are plenty of creative ways to give coral a sound foundation to take hold. Sheba has used parts of its proceeds for a number of ambitious projects over the recent years. This is certainly a good example of how some of the corporate profits can be used for altruistic purposes very effectively. Their reef project speaks for itself by spelling out the word “HOPE” – clearly visible from the air. What a clever way to be right on message. Lets “HOPE” that kind of thinking catches on with other corporations.