RELEASE NUMBER 29 | 25
The large-scale installation debuted in June to commemorate World Ocean Month – uniting science, art and regenerative tourism under OUTRIGGER’s ocean conservation mission
High resolution images and video of the ceremony and sculpture drop, HERE
HONOLULU – In a bold step toward marine conservation and sustainable tourism, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has partnered with non-profit organization Counting Coral to launch a transformative coral restoration initiative at Castaway Island, Fiji. At its heart is the installation of a visually striking Sculptural Coral Gene Bank – the third of its kind in Fiji and a first for OUTRIGGER.
The large-scale marine-grade sculpture, which began installation in May in the waters off Castaway Island, Fiji and will continue through June, is designed to support the long-term regeneration of coral reefs and educate guests about the importance of reef conservation. The initiative is the continuation of OUTRIGGER’s long-term commitment to restoring and protecting the fragile reef ecosystems surrounding its Fijian resorts.
The coral gene bank, designed over six months in California and built using marine-grade stainless steel, will house more than 500 parent corals, carefully selected for their genetic resilience. These corals will act as a living seed bank, enabling scientists to monitor, protect and propagate diverse coral species vital to reef recovery.
Installation includes two key phases:
- Phase One (May–June): Structural anchoring of the sculpture, coral selection, surveying and transplantation of resilient coral species.
- Phase Two (2026): Introduction of smaller nursery structures, where coral fragments from the original parent stock will be cultivated and transplanted onto the reef – creating a sustainable cycle of reef restoration.
The coral restoration process is designed to be highly visible and accessible, offering resort guests the unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From snorkelling excursions to educational materials, guests will be able to engage with the initiative firsthand, strengthening the connection between tourism and environmental stewardship.
“This partnership with Counting Coral marks a major milestone in our OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative and our mission to protect the environment through responsible tourism,” said Ben Johnson, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Fiji Islands at OUTRIGGER Resorts and Hotels. “The Sculptural Coral Gene Bank is more than an installation – it’s a living symbol of our commitment to reef protection through innovation, education and guest engagement.”
“Coral reefs are not only the lifeblood of Fiji’s marine ecosystems but also central to the local economy,” said Brooke True, Executive Director of Counting Coral. “By joining forces with OUTRIGGER and Castaway Island, Fiji we’re creating a one-of-a-kind restoration site that blends science and sculpture to inspire guests and protect coral ecosystems for the long term.”
This initiative reinforces OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels’ leadership in regenerative tourism and reflects Castaway Island’s commitment to preserving the natural wonders that make it one of Fiji’s most beloved private island resorts.
To learn more about the Coral Gene Bank and OUTRIGGER’s OZONE sustainability efforts, visit: www.outrigger.com/fiji/castaway-island-fiji
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