Samsung Harnesses Galaxy Tech to Combat Ocean Crisis

Samsung Electronics is diving deeper into ocean conservation, announcing a multi-pronged initiative that pairs cutting-edge Galaxy technology with coral reef restoration efforts.

Building on its legacy of repurposing ocean plastic into smartphones, the company now aims to reverse marine ecosystem damage through AI-driven monitoring and global community partnerships.

Since 2022, Samsung has integrated over 150 metric tons of abandoned fishing nets (“ghost nets”) into devices like the Galaxy S22 series and beyond, preventing these plastics from suffocating marine life.

Now, the company is expanding its eco-tech playbook by collaborating with coral researchers, coastal communities, and the U.S.-based nonprofit Seatrees to tackle what Stephanie Choi, EVP of Samsung MX, calls “the invisible crisis beneath the waves.”

Coral reefs—vital to 25% of marine species—face extinction by 2050 due to climate change and pollution. To accelerate recovery, Samsung’s new Ocean Mode (a first-of-its-kind camera feature) equips scientists and activists in Fiji, Indonesia, and Florida with enhanced underwater imaging tools.

Developed with UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the AI-powered mode tackles two critical challenges:

1. Motion Blur Reduction: Stabilizes images as divers hover over reefs, capturing crystal-clear snapshots for 3D modeling.
2. Color Accuracy: Counteracts water’s light-absorbing effects, preserving true hues to assess coral health.

“Reliable data is the backbone of effective restoration,” notes Dr. Stuart Sandin, Scripps marine ecologist. “Galaxy’s imaging tech turns any diver into a citizen scientist, scaling data collection exponentially.”

Proof in the (Reef) Pudding
Early results show promise:

• 11,000+ coral fragments planted across Bali, Fiji, and Florida in 2024.
• 3D reef maps generated from Galaxy-captured photos guide targeted interventions.
• Local communities use data to secure funding and policy changes.

“This isn’t just about tech specs—it’s about rebuilding ecosystems that millions rely on for food and livelihoods,” emphasizes Seatrees co-founder Michael Stewart.

What’s Next?
Samsung plans to deploy Ocean Mode globally, partnering with additional universities and coastal groups. With ghost net recycling now standard across all Galaxy products, the company aims to cement its role as a sustainability trailblazer—one wave at a time.

“Innovation must serve both people and the planet,” says Choi. “Whether it’s a smartphone component or a coral snapshot, every piece matters.”