Ocean Encounters, Curaçao’s Premier PADI and SSI Dive Shop, is proud to announce that our coral restoration project is joining the Reef Renewal Foundation International (RRFI) network and changing its name to Reef Renewal Curaçao (RRC).
Ocean Encounters established the coral restoration program in 2015 to grow and outplant endangered coral species, as well as to educate Curaçao’s divers about the need to protect coral reefs.
We established partnerships with leading resorts and dive operations including LionsDive Beach Resort, Avila Beach Hotel, Baoase Luxury Resort Curaçao, and Scubaçao Diving Adventures to expand coral nurseries across Curaçao.
Together, the organizations have outplanted more than 10,000 endangered corals back onto Curaçao’s reefs and taught thousands of guest divers, local students, and volunteers from the Curaçao diving community about the importance of coral reefs.
Reef Renewal Foundation International (RRFI) recently offered the unique opportunity to join a larger community of coral restoration experts and reconnect with our friend, Ken Nedimyer, a pioneer in coral restoration and the architect of our coral restoration program.
Therefore, the former “Coral Restoration Foundation Curaçao” has joined Reef Renewal Foundation International and moving forward we will be operating as Reef Renewal Curaçao.
The RRFI network provides training and support to help coral restoration programs grow. Partner organizations benefit from advancements in coral restoration techniques and lessons learned from premier restoration programs across the globe. Reef Renewal Foundation International encourages and facilitates the exchange of information and best practices with participating programs, including Reef Renewal Bonaire, Reef Renewal Cayman Islands, Reef Renewal USA, and Reef Restoration Foundation Australia.
Reef Renewal Foundation International has 501(c)(3) non-profit organization tax status in the United States. By joining RRFI, we can now offer our supporters the ability to make a tax deductible charitable contribution directed to Reef Renewal Curaçao.
“We loved working with Ken when he helped us establish our coral nurseries, and we look forward to working with him again and benefiting from all the advancements that Ken has implemented in Florida and across the Caribbean. We believe our continued collaborations with our island partners, coupled with our new partnerships within the RRFI Network, will allow us to scale our work to make an island-wide impact on Curaçao’s reefs.” says Jeremiah Peek, Ocean Encounters Managing Director
Ocean Encounters and Reef Renewal Curaçao are also excited to announce that Tripp Funderburk has joined our team as our Coral Restoration Manager. Tripp has a wealth of experience in coral restoration and a passion for teaching divers about the importance of coral reefs and encouraging them to participate in coral restoration.
Tripp is the former Manager of the Bay Islands Reef Restoration and the Roatan Marine Park coral restoration programs in Roatan, Honduras. Before working in Honduras, Tripp was the Director of Policy for Coral Restoration Foundation and Director of International Operations at the Coral Restoration Foundation International in Key Largo, Florida.
Pol Bosch, Ocean Encounters Manager, stated, “We are glad to have someone with Tripp’s experience and enthusiasm managing our coral restoration work. Tripp and Megan Beazley, our Marine Biologist and Coral Restoration Project Coordinator, form a terrific team that will help us implement the new techniques being developed by RRFI and its members. Tripp, Megan, and the rest of the Ocean Encounters staff are excited to expand our coral restoration efforts and teach more divers how to grow and restore endangered corals.”
Play a Part in the Curaçao Coral Restoration Strategy and help Reef Renewal Curaçao restore the unique fringing coral reef systems around our beautiful Dutch Caribbean island today!
By supporting valuable and sustainable coral reef initiatives, like RRC, you will be reaffirming your commitment to the island of Curacao so that future generations may benefit.
Supporting this initiative through sponsorship and charitable donations is integral for success and volunteers will be needed for regular nursery maintenance and care.
Learn more by visiting Reef Renewal Curacao because, together, we are making a difference for Curaçao!
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