Project REEFrame: Inspiring Change
A powerful partnership to restore marine ecosystems, educate communities, and inspire ocean stewardship.
For decades, the ocean has inspired explorers, scientists, and storytellers. But today, its mysteries and critical importance are often overshadowed. Canon Middle East and Project REEFrame have joined forces to change that.
This partnership brings together Canon’s world-class imaging expertise and Project REEFrame’s pioneering coral restoration model. Together with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment and the Fujairah Environmental Authority, they are creating coral nurseries and new reef structures to restore vital marine ecosystems.
The initiative combines community action, education, and measurable scientific impact, training Canon employees, divers, and volunteers to monitor coral health, document biodiversity growth, and inspire the public through powerful imagery and outreach programmes. By blending innovation with storytelling, the project aims to reignite our collective fascination with the ocean and protect it for generations to come.
This partnership brings together Canon’s world-class imaging expertise and Project REEFrame’s pioneering coral restoration model. Together with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment and the Fujairah Environmental Authority, they are creating coral nurseries and new reef structures to restore vital marine ecosystems.
The initiative combines community action, education, and measurable scientific impact, training Canon employees, divers, and volunteers to monitor coral health, document biodiversity growth, and inspire the public through powerful imagery and outreach programmes. By blending innovation with storytelling, the project aims to reignite our collective fascination with the ocean and protect it for generations to come.
About the Founder — Darryl Owen:
Darryl Owen grew up mesmerised by underwater documentaries, sparking a lifelong passion for the ocean. As the founder of Project REEFrame, he leads efforts to restore marine ecosystems through Whole Site Restoration, integrating coral reefs with seagrass, oysters, mussels, and mangroves. His vision is rooted in community engagement and education, ensuring that young people not only understand what’s at stake but also have the tools to make a real difference.
Why the Ocean Matters
Covering 71% of our planet, the ocean is the engine of life on Earth. It produces over 50% of the oxygen we breathe, regulates global temperatures, supports the livelihoods of 3 billion people, and acts as the largest carbon sink, absorbing more than 30% of atmospheric carbon.
Yet this vast ecosystem remains underexplored and increasingly threatened. Coral reefs which support 25% of all marine life despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor are disappearing due to climate change, coastal development, and pollution. Protecting resilient coral ecosystems, like those in the Arabian Gulf, is essential to preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and maintaining planetary balance.
How It’s Done
The restoration process begins with the collection of healthy, naturally broken coral fragments from nearby reefs before they’re lost to sediment. These rescued fragments are then carefully planted onto nursery tables aboard boats, with up to 126 corals secured per table. Finally, divers install the nursery tables at the Project REEFrame site, attaching the coral grids to underwater frames where they can grow and thrive, helping to rebuild vibrant reef ecosystems.
DIVE INTO THE TECH
DIVE INTO THE TECH
Discover which of our cutting-edge imaging technology is being used to develop new and more effective approaches to coral conservation.