Bangkok-headquartered Thai Union Group has continued its efforts to restore marine ecosystems by advancing its Coral Reef Restoration Project at Koh Racha Yai, Phuket. Now in its second year, the project has seen the installation of 109 coral reef restoration structures, designed using cutting-edge SCG 3D printing technology to support coral growth.
The initiative, a part of the seafood company’s SeaChange 2030 global sustainability strategy, is being implemented in partnership with SCG, Earth Agenda Foundation, Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and the Center of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. Together, the partners are utilizing innovation and shared expertise to address the impacts of climate change on marine life.
Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, director general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, highlighted the importance of the project in addressing pressing environmental challenges by commenting: “Global warming and human activity have caused significant damage to marine ecosystems, resulting in habitat loss, declining marine life, and threats to food security. Projects like this are critical to reversing these trends. In the first year of installations, we saw more than 5 percent of coral larvae attaching to the structures and an increase in fish population – a positive sign of ecosystem recovery.”
Thiraphong Chansiri, chief executive officer of Thai Union Group (pictured above), said, “We are committed to restoring and protecting Thailand’s natural resources. This project reflects our purpose of promoting ‘Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans’ and aligns with our SeaChange® 2030 sustainability strategy, which is working towards revitalizing ecosystems and building a sustainable future. We are proud to collaborate with our partners who share this vision.”
Chana Poomee chief sustainability officer at SCG, stated: “SCG has introduced 3D printing technology that uses environmentally friendly mortar to create coral larvae settlement substrates that blend naturally with the environment. This technology enhances coral larvae attachment and growth, supporting marine resources. Beyond innovation, we aim to make coral reef restoration efforts more accessible to the private sector and the public.”
Dr. Nantarika Chansue, associate processor and chairman of the Earth Agenda Foundation, remarked: “Coral reefs, which support 25 percent of all marine species, are rapidly deteriorating due to climate change and human activity. Restoration efforts like this one are essential for preserving biodiversity and reviving marine life. After conducting a joint survey with Thai Union and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the results were encouraging, showing significant coral growth and the attachment of approximately 11 types of organisms, including coral larvae, to the coral reef structures. These outcomes are key to maintaining a balance and thriving marine ecosystem.”
Thai Union has committed to supporting the Coral Reef Restoration Project in Koh Racha Yai, Phuket for three years, with a total of 210 coral reef restoration structures to be installed. The company, which employs approximately 44,000 people and ranks as one of the world’s leading seafood producers, is a major supplier of frozen shrimp and tuna products with annual sales exceeding THB 136.2 billion (US$ 3,912 billion).
