ECO PRO continued
reef, the seagrass is uprooted and the mangroves are battered. Protecting the reef is, fundamentally, a Carbon Protection Strategy.
"their" reef. They become the "healers" that the ocean des- perately needs, creating a returning business opportunity for dive shops, hotels, and the local tourism industry.
The Blue Pipeline: A New Generation of Stewards: The current industry model relies on "the churn" – getting a student certified, selling them a set of gear, and hoping they book a few trips before they drop out of the sport due to a lack of purpose. The CARES "blue pipeline" replaces the churn with continuity. When we train a student through the CARES program, they aren't just learning a hobby; they are gaining a technical vocation. This is especially vital for the "opportunity youth" in our program. By teaching them to conduct scientific
The Restorative ROI: Why Healing is Good Business: Restoration is a remarkably rewarding and enriching experience. Every- one who engages in "ocean healing" feels a sense of satisfaction that a "look-but- don't-touch" dive can never provide. From a business perspective, the ROI is unde- niable: 1. Repeat Customers: Divers who plant a coral fragment have a vested interest in returning to see its progress over the years. 2. Asset Protection: Every fragment planted increases rugosity, which in turn protects the very beaches and hotel prop-
surveys, out-plant coral, and monitor ecosystem health, we are giving them a seat at the table of the global Blue Economy. These divers don’t quit. They return annually to monitor
erties that sustain the tourism industry. 3. Data Value: Restored reefs offer opportunities for ongo- ing research, allowing dive operators to partner with col-
NOVEMBER 4, 2026 • 6 PM NEW ORLEANS MARRIOTT • NEW ORLEANS, LOUSIANA PRESENTED BY THE ACADEMY OF UNDERWATER ARTS AND SCIENCES WITH THE UNDERWATER SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2026 NOGI AWARDS GALA 65TH ANNUAL
HONORING NOGI RECIPIENTS:
www.auas-nogi.org
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