Samsung Electronics has announced that its “Coral in Focus” initiative, powered by the advanced Ocean Mode camera feature on the latest Galaxy phones, has received prestigious awards for its contributions to coral reef conservation. The initiative won Gold in the “Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative” category at the 2026 Halo Awards by Engage for Good. Additionally, the associated documentary “Coral in Focus” was honored with the Coastal and Island Culture Award at the 23rd International Ocean Film Festival. Samsung was also recognized by Fast Company as one of the 2026 Most Innovative Companies for its advancements in mobile technology for environmental research.
These accolades highlight Samsung’s efforts to combat the decline of coral reefs, in collaboration with the U.S.-based nonprofit Seatrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. By combining the Galaxy phones’ advanced imaging capabilities with Seatrees’ community-driven restoration model and Scripps’ marine science expertise, Samsung has turned its mobile devices into effective tools for ocean conservation.
Coral reefs, though covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, are vital for supporting marine life and millions of livelihoods globally. However, they face threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, potentially leading to their disappearance by 2050. To address this, Samsung has partnered with Seatrees and Scripps to promote coral reef restoration across sites in Costa Rica, Fiji, the Galápagos Islands, Indonesia, and the United States.
The “Samsung x Seatrees: Bring Coral in Focus” initiative provides partners and local communities with Galaxy devices equipped with Ocean Mode and underwater housings to capture high-quality underwater images. These images are used to create detailed 3D models, enhancing the monitoring and evaluation of coral reefs and providing crucial insights into their health and recovery.
To date, the initiative has resulted in the planting of over 20,000 coral fragments and the creation of more than 80 3D reef models, aiding research and monitoring efforts. Ocean Mode, now available through Expert RAW, extends these imaging capabilities to more Galaxy users, making advanced underwater photography accessible without the need for expensive DSLR equipment. This accessibility is vital for expanding coral reef monitoring, especially in resource-limited regions.
These achievements are part of Samsung’s broader sustainability commitment under its “Galaxy for the Planet” initiative, which includes incorporating recycled materials into devices and developing technologies like Ocean Mode to help protect the environment.
