What We Do

We Work to Fill a Gap – We Protect Reefs and Recover Fisheries by Serving Local Stewards

Conservation Agreements

We work to fill a gap in the conservation world — less than 5% of $20 billion spent annually on the environment is made available directly to locals who manage ecosystems. When communities commit to protecting their coral reefs, we commit to providing the services and tools they need to enforce managed fishing zones, measure impact, and build social cohesion around effective stewardship. OneReef Community Partnership Agreements ensure we work from a common plan: a 20-year shared vision, complementary commitments, finance plans, means of avoiding conflict, and capacity to be developed. Through an equitable and respectful process, we serve community needs.

Measure Impact

By learning about the fish and corals at our sites, we can determine the reef’s health and create science-based plans. The Smith and Sandin Labs at Scripps Institution of Oceanography provide baseline biological data, as well as novel 3-D coral reef images. This science helps communities adjust management plans to see the most benefits to their ocean.

Technology

Through technology, we can make conservation safer and more cost effective. Systems like desalination units, satellite phones, ranger stations and marine radars can help communities work in and protect their reefs. We constantly search for the best and most affordable solutions, working closely with partners to inform the design of new tools.

Skills Development

Marine Protected Areas require effective local management to protect fish populations. We sponsor trainings, such as bringing US-certified enforcement officers to train local staff in Micronesia, to create well-trained and successful teams that can protect coral reefs.

Financing

We align multiple funding sources under a long-term finance plan for each program. By working closely with communities, philanthropists, foundations, and public funding streams, we can ensure reef protection benefits long into the future.