Paralympic swimmer and ocean advocate Ellie Simmonds OBE has once again teamed up with the Sheba Hope Grows™ programme, the world’s largest coral reef restoration initiative, to highlight the urgent need for global action in preserving marine ecosystems. In a new film, Simmonds shares her experience in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns, Australia, where she observed firsthand how innovative restoration efforts are helping to rebuild coral reefs, offering hope for the future of the world’s oceans.
The campaign, which draws attention to the alarming decline of coral reefs, comes after new research commissioned by the Sheba brand revealed that 75% of UK adults are concerned about the state of the world’s coral reefs. However, nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted to knowing little or nothing about the vital role coral reefs play in maintaining marine health.
Climate change was identified as the most significant threat to coral reefs, with 72% of those surveyed citing it as the primary danger. Alarmingly, 18% of participants believe coral reefs are beyond saving, and a further 25% expressed uncertainty about their future.
In the film, Ellie Simmonds urges people across the UK and beyond to take action and raise awareness about the importance of coral restoration. She explained, “Although the world’s reefs feel so far away from the UK, the impacts of climate change affect our entire planet. We must do more to give nature a chance to adapt and resist these changes.”
The Sheba Hope Grows programme is making a significant impact on the Great Barrier Reef and has expanded its efforts to 65 restoration sites across 12 countries. Ellie’s involvement in the project brings attention to the powerful role of the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System, which uses “Reef Stars” – hexagonal sand-coated steel structures that provide a stable base for coral fragments to grow. These structures are being planted on the ocean floor to help jumpstart coral restoration in damaged areas of the reef.
Ellie, who has always been passionate about the ocean, expressed her excitement about participating in the restoration work. “It’s incredible to see the power of reef stars and meet the team behind this small, unique structure that has such a big impact,” she said. “It just goes to show how powerful we can be when we have a common goal – saving our oceans.”
The initiative also highlights the role of local communities in coral conservation. Ellie observed the work of partners such as Citizens of the Reef, who use new methodologies to monitor reef health in the Cairns region, gathering crucial data to identify reefs that may need additional restoration efforts.
Professor David Smith, Senior Director of Mars Sustainable Solutions, praised the programme’s progress, stating, “Thanks to the Sheba Hope Grows programme, the team on the ground in Australia has installed over 400 reef stars, bringing life back to these areas of the Great Barrier Reef.”
The Sheba Hope Grows programme continues to showcase how scalable, man-made solutions can reverse the damage done to coral reefs. By working together, the programme aims to restore coral reefs and preserve marine life for future generations.