the world’s reefs are threatened by rising ocean temperatures and more. 

Coral “bleaching” is a symptom of the stresses that warmer oceans cause. When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae living in their tissues, causing the coral to turn completely white. Pollution and over-fishing are also damaging reefs. Bleached coral is still alive and can recover, but some corals do not. 

WHY SAVING OUR REEFS IS SO CRITICAL

Coral reefs are incredibly important part of the global marine ecosystem. They cover only a tiny portion of the ocean floor, but at least a quarter of all sea animals live around reefs. This is why are called the rainforests of the seas. Fish lay their eggs near reefs to keep them safe. Reefs also create areas where sea mammals can raise and feed their babies. Reefs even help clean the ocean!

Reefs are important for people, too. Scientists are creating new medicines from corals that could cure all kinds of diseases. They call reefs “the medicine cabinets of the 21st century.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP SAVE THE REEFS 

At Reef Rescue, you’ll learn how you can help save the reefs in your every day lives!

MORE REEF FUN FACTS

What Are Corals?
Corals are groups of tiny animals called polyps. Polyps make outer shells for themselves that merge together into a home they all share! 

What Are Reefs?
A reef is a ridge of natural material that rises above or is just below the ocean’s surface. Reefs are usually made of rocks, sand, or coral. 

The Three Types of Reef

1. Fringing Reefs
These reefs grow very close to ocean shores, in very shallow water.

2. Barrier Reefs
Barrier reefs grow further out to sea.

3. Atolls
Atolls are ring-shaped reefs that surround a lagoon. 

Artificial Reefs

Artificial reefs can replace natural reefs that have vanished. Stacks of cinder blocks, construction debris, even shipwrecks can become new reefs.

How Artificial Reefs Grow

First, sponges, algae and coral anchor to them. Ocean currents also bring plankton to the reef. Small fish come to feed on the plankton, and then bigger fish come to feed on the smaller fish. Soon, a new “ocean rainforest” has formed!

Electricity Makes Them Even Better!

If you run a small electric current through metal, it helps limestone to crystallize on its surface. Coral can attach to limestone more easily. And the electricity helps coral to grow faster, too!

REEF RESCUE IS CONCEIVED BY SUPER 78

Reef Rescue VR was created by Super 78, a themed attraction and technology studio, along with partners and developers in the field of motion tracking software and hardware. 

The partners demonstrated the technology as “Aquarium Earth” at SIGGRAPH, the annual computer animation and advanced technology conference, in July 2016.

From the creation of captivating media to the design of enriched, immersive spaces, Super 78 builds worlds, both real and virtual, that are unforgettable.

Super 78 is a group of award-winning artists and technicians who deliver entertaining and educational stories across all platforms. Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, this creative, production and special venue company extends well-known brands and intellectual properties into global destinations and the experiential marketplace.  

With offices in Los Angeles and partners worldwide, Super 78 continues to expand by creating, producing and owning live action, animated and graphic content for the global market.

Super 78 has earned recognition and numerous accolades including Emmy, Thea, Visual Effects Society, Telly and Create Nominations and Awards. Learn more at Super78.com