MEDIA ADVISORY: CITIZENS OF THE REEF AND DISNEY CONSERVATION FUND CELEBRATE GLOBAL EXPANSION OF GREAT REEF CENSUS AT WORLD OCEANS DAY EVENT
The world’s largest tropical reef citizen science project expands to Hawai‘i
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WHAT: In celebration of World Oceans Day, Citizens of the Reef, supported by the Disney Conservation Fund and in partnership with Kuleana Coral Restoration, will launch the Great Reef Census Hawai‘i pilot at Ko Olina’s World Oceans Day event. This milestone marks the first expansion of the world’s largest tropical reef citizen science initiative beyond Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Guests and media will be invited to observe World Oceans Day activities at Ko Olina, including immersive educational experiences at Aulani’s Rainbow Reef—O‘ahu’s only private snorkeling lagoon—and opportunities to learn about the Great Reef Census launch, with Disney VoluntEARS and local reef conservation partners participating.
WHEN: Friday, June 6, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Ko Olina World Oceans Day Event
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Rainbow Reef
92-1185 Ali‘inui Drive, Kapolei, Hawai‘i
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
- Sean Daly, Marine Operations Manager, Citizens of the Reef
- Ari Halperin, Science and Monitoring Manager, Kuleana Coral Restoration
- Nikki Medwetz, Public Affairs Director, Aulani
- Raffy Jacinto, Animal & Water Sciences Operations Manager, Aulani
DETAILS:
The Great Reef Census Hawai‘i pilot has collected reef imagery from O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island, and Kaua‘i, with the data now ready for analysis by volunteers and virtual participants. Guests at Aulani’s Rainbow Reef can also learn about coral identification and reef health monitoring as part of ongoing efforts to engage the community in reef conservation.
This expansion is a crucial step in supporting reef conservation worldwide, with recent NOAA reports highlighting severe coral bleaching events across over 54 countries since early 2023. The event underscores the importance of community involvement and innovative conservation strategies in protecting our oceans for future generations.
For more information on the Great Reef Census and how to participate, visit www.greatreefcensus.org.
ON-SITE CONTACT
Nikki Medwetz
ADDITIONAL CONTACT
