Diving Deep with Aquaman: Uniting Forces to Preserve Coral Reefs Worldwide
Titouan Bernicot, founder of Coral Gardeners, is a passionate conservationist committed to preserving coral reefs worldwide Harnessing star power, including Aquaman himself, he leads a groundbreaking project that aims to restore and protect these vital ecosystems A true hero for our oceans
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It comes as no surprise that Titouan Bernicot is incredibly dedicated to his work. Having been raised on his family's pearl farm on the French Polynesian atoll of Ahe, the ocean is integral to his identity, and he even considers it to be his closest companion.
Bernicot established Coral Gardeners at the age of 18, with a mission to restore local reefs. Over the past seven years, he has led a team to plant over 100,000 resilient corals in various atolls across the Pacific Ocean. Now 25, Bernicot has expanded the organization with the help of global celebrities such as actor Jason Momoa, who recently joined the group in their conservation efforts.
In conjunction with the release of Momoa's "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" in theaters this week, Coral Gardeners has teamed up with the film to raise awareness about coral bleaching and the environmental impacts of climate change. The collaboration, known as "The Lost Colors," draws attention to the detrimental effects of coral bleaching, which occurs when warmer water causes coral to expel the algae that give them their vibrant color. If temperatures remain elevated, the algae are unable to recolonize, ultimately leading to the death of the coral. (Warner Bros., the distributor of the film, is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery, the same parent company as CNN.)
Once a coral dies, it becomes extremely difficult for reefs to recover and regenerate. This is the point at which the reef ecosystem starts to collapse, and that is precisely what Bernicot and Coral Gardeners are working to prevent.
French Polynesia's islands and atolls are surrounded by coral reefs. The archipelago is home to over 150 different species of coral.
Killian Domingo
Homegrown reef restoration
Bernicot says his "connection" with the ocean started when he was a baby, learning "about the fish behaviors, the octopus, the sharks, how they co-exist."
"During times of stress or when I'm not feeling well, I find solace in being on the water," he explains. "There's a peacefulness and tranquility in the absence of noise, only the calming sound of the reef and the fish."
However, the global climate crisis poses a significant threat to coral reefs. Experts predict that 70-90% of existing coral reefs worldwide could vanish within the next two decades, putting the entire ecosystem at risk of destruction by the end of the century.
A blind sand-swimming mole has been found again, nearly 100 years after it was last seen.
Additionally, increasingly extreme weather patterns are adding to the concern. This year's El Nino, a natural temperature fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean, poses a threat of further warming of the oceans.
The increase in ocean temperature poses a greater threat of coral bleaching, which could have a devastating impact on this fragile environment. Coral Gardeners founder expresses genuine worry that these reefs may be the first ecosystem on the planet to collapse.
"I am dedicated to advocating for the protection of these marine creatures - the fish, octopus, sharks, and stingrays," Bernicot explains. "They lack the ability to speak up for themselves, and I want to be a voice for them and help preserve their homes."
Most of Coral Gardeners' work has been done on the island of Mo'orea.
Ryan Borne
Alongside Bernicot, Coral Gardeners has a team of more than 50 people, including scientists and engineers, some of whom grew up on the very atolls they are working across.
They support local reefs by upcycling old ropes and other waste from abandoned pearl farms to create coral nurseries, helping to repair damage to the coral caused by the waste. These nurseries provide a protected environment for small pieces of coral to grow underwater. Once they are healthy and grown to a suitable size, they are reintroduced into natural environments to help the reefs thrive.
Last year, Coral Gardeners successfully planted over 15,000 corals in French Polynesia, and an additional 9,400 in their nurseries. In 2023, the organization has more than quadrupled their total number of planted corals, with over 70,000 corals planted this year.
The nurseries are also utilized by the Bernicots team for conducting research, providing valuable data on the optimal environment for coral growth and the performance of different species in various conditions. Coral Gardeners' in-house R&D center, CG Labs, has created innovative tools such as underwater mapping robots, AI-powered cameras, and an app for users to explore a "connected reef."
Bernicot and his team manage one of the many coral nurseries they have established.
Noe Langronier
A solution for the future
In the coming years, Coral Gardener's "Odyssey 2025" aims to restore one million corals, engage with one billion people globally, and expand internationally, with an existing team in Fiji, according to Bernicot. Additionally, the group is seeking further collaborations, such as the one with "Aquaman," and forming partnerships with "mindful brands" to promote impactful conservation efforts.
From whale hunting to whale watching, the islands have undergone a significant transformation. For Bernicot, however, the most important aspect is the community that gave rise to Coral Gardeners. With former classmates by his side, the reef restoration project is a genuine local endeavor.
Bernicot reflects on the surprising shift in career aspirations, noting, "No one thought that one day, we could answer the question 'What do you want to do?' by saying 'I want to become a coral gardener.' It wasn't considered a job, but now it's a reality."
He emphasizes, "They are living proof that today you can be paid to do something meaningful, and that ocean conservation doesn't have to be limited to volunteer work. You can wake up every morning with the sole focus on how to save the most important place on Earth."
CNNs John Lewis contributed to this report.
