An Essex University marine scientist stars in a powerful new documentary about the fight to save threatened coral reefs.
Prof David Smith’s incredible work - alongside that of many dedicated reef restoration experts - is explored in new Amazon Prime documentary Reef Builders.
The School of Life Sciences researcher explains how a programme, built on over a decade of research and restoration by a special team, is helping to restore degraded reefs worldwide.
They have been devastated by destructive fishing practices, over-tourism, and a rapidly warming ocean, accelerating impacts of climate change.
Prof Smith leads the restoration and research strategy for the coral reef restoration programme through his work as chief marine science officer for Mars Incorporated and senior director at Mars Sustainable Solutions.
His work inspires indigenous people in Hawaii, Australia, and Kenya to use metal reef 'stars' to cultivate coral growth around the world.
Prof Smith said: “Scientists have estimated if we do nothing, 90 per cent of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone by 2050 - a devastating prospect not just for the reefs’ ecosystems, but for the hundreds of millions of people who depend on reefs for food, income, and coastal protection.
“We know that coral reefs are the heart of our oceans, and the continued work spotlighted through Reef Builders shows that there really is hope.
“Reef Builders highlights the science and collaboration that makes rapid reef restoration possible, proving we can create thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and nature.”
The documentary, which is available to stream now, follows communities across Indonesia, Hawaii, Australia and Kenya working to preserve their way of life on a fast-changing planet.
In the cinematic feature, with a first-person narrative by indigenous fishermen and divers, the film shows how villagers on the remote Indonesian island of Bontosua have rebuilt a coral reef reduced to rubble by years of destructive fishing practices.
Director Stephen Shearman said: “When I read about the work of the Mars Sustainable Solutions team and Prof David Smith in Indonesia, I couldn’t at first quite believe it.
“Here was a team who claimed that they could rebuild coral reefs from nothing and incredibly quickly – it seemed almost miraculous.
“The more I read, the more I came to understand what it was they were doing. But nothing prepares you for being there and seeing it with your own eyes.
“I have seldom met a senior scientist like Dave Smith - entirely selfless, he tirelessly works to empower the communities he is working with.
“While we were there, we saw the whole community come together to rebuild their reef.
“It really is remarkable what they are achieving there.”
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