MSC Foundation, the private, non-profit organization established to lead, focus, and advance the MSC Group’s humanitarian and conservation commitments, today launched #SuperCoralPlay, a campaign to raise awareness about the need to take action to protect and preserve coral reefs. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between MSC Cruises (an MSC Group company), the Miami Super Bowl Organizing Committee (MSBHC), and 54 highly popular players from the National Football League (NFL), including Larry Fitzgerald, Jarvis Landry, and Mark Sanchez.
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world, home to more than 25% of all marine species. They serve as a food source for 500 million people and protect coastal communities from storms and erosion. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 84% of the United States' coral reefs are concentrated in Florida alone, where spending related to the coral ecosystem is estimated to generate $6 billion in economic impact across the five South Florida counties through annual sales, revenue, and employment, supporting more than 71,000 full-time and part-time jobs.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is located in the Bahamas, about 105 kilometers from Miami. What was once an industrial sand mining site has now been transformed into a private island with a thriving marine reserve thanks to the work carried out by MSC Cruises, the island's operator. The MSC Foundation, in collaboration with a team of scientists and environmental experts, is identifying resilient coral species (colloquially known as "super coral") that have survived the recent ocean warming in the waters near the island. By studying and propagating these coral species, it is believed that it will be possible to restore the reefs while improving their tolerance to future environmental changes. This could provide a lifeline for coral reefs in the region and ensure their survival.
Matthew McKinnon, Chairman of the Board of the MSC Foundation, stated: “#SuperCoralPlay is a simple action that an individual or company can take or pledge to take to join the movement to help protect and preserve corals and reduce the impacts of human activity on the environment. The campaign, which can be found at SuperCoralPlay.org, encourages individuals and businesses to share the message through the power of music using the official 'Super Coral Play' song; to make a donation to the cause to support scientific research in Florida and at the Ocean Cay “super coral”; and to implement small changes in their daily lives or business operations to positively impact the environment.”
“Over the years, more than half of the coral in the area where the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve was recently established has died. Similarly, the ecological treasures of Florida’s reefs have suffered damage, harming marine life and leaving Miami vulnerable,” explained McKinnon, who added: “If we act now, we still have the opportunity to help the reefs and marine life, supporting the benefits they provide to communities. We need to curb ocean warming with more efforts to reduce emissions, and we need to research and invest in ‘super coral’ and advanced applied science to help regenerate resilient reefs—the work the MSC Foundation is undertaking in coordination with key international and local partners in Ocean Cay.”
This special scientific project will involve the collaboration of some of the world's leading experts in marine biology and coral conservation, including the University of Miami (UM) School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), the Perry Institute of Marine Science, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Monaco Science Centre (CSM), among other collaborators.
The MSC Foundation has signed agreements with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University to collaborate on marine restoration research and applied research activities in the waters surrounding Ocean Cay. Graduate students from the universities will live on the island for a semester while participating in the study of the area as part of a scholarship.
“The Miami Super Bowl Organizing Committee (MSBHC) launched 'Ocean to Everglades' (O2E) last April, the Super Bowl LIVE environmental initiative that aims to promote sustainability and raise awareness about the critical issues facing the health of the ocean and Everglades National Park,” said Rodney Barreto, president of MSBHC. “The MSC Foundation and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve have been a natural partner for us, and MSBHC is delighted to be part of their Super Coral Play campaign.”
MSC Foundation, MSC Cruises, and MSBHC are joined by 54 current and former NFL players and influencers, coinciding with this year's Super Bowl LIVE. This group includes Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals; Jarvis Landry, wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns; and Mark Sanchez, broadcaster and retired NFL quarterback. The campaign launched with an official music video featuring the ambassadors highlighting the challenges facing coral reefs and the steps individuals and businesses can take to help. Through a social media campaign, each ambassador will perform a "Super Coral Play"—a simple action or commitment to help reduce their negative environmental impacts and personal carbon footprint, ultimately benefiting coral reefs and encouraging others to make their own contributions. Once individuals or companies have chosen their action, participants are encouraged to upload it to social media with a video or using the official campaign filter, using the hashtag #SuperCoralPlay and challenging two others.
People can also participate by purchasing a special edition 'Super Coral Play' bracelet made from abandoned fishing nets (known as ghost nets), to support important research in Ocean Cay and help find practical solutions for coral survival. The MSC Foundation has indicated that for every bracelet purchased, a 'super coral' will be planted in the Ocean Cay marine reserve off the coast of Miami.
“At MSC, we have long been committed to continuously reducing and minimizing the environmental footprint of our operations, also in relation to ocean warming and coral health,” said Rick Sasso, President of MSC Cruises in the United States and Ambassador of the MSC Foundation in the Americas.
“We committed to offsetting, starting January 1, 2020, all CO2 emissions from our global cruise fleet that we cannot currently eliminate, while we continue to invest in the rapid development of advanced environmental technology that will lead us to zero-emission operations. Furthermore, since 2019, we have eliminated nearly 100% of all single-use plastic from our fleet,” he continued.
Sasso added: “We encourage other companies and MSC partners to participate in our campaign with one or more of their own sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, it's worth noting that participating consumers and companies who share #SuperCoralPlay have the opportunity to win prizes, such as free cruises to Ocean Cay, among others.”
During the week leading up to the Super Bowl, fans are invited to visit the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve's special installation at the Super Bowl LIVE Environmental Village (January 25–February 1) to learn more about the Super Coral Play campaign. This interactive, experiential space will showcase the work being done at the island's marine reserve. Additionally, from now until Super Bowl LIVE on February 2, 2020, those who share #SuperCoralPlay on social media will be entered into prize draws. More details can be found at SuperCoralPlay.org.
According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, scientists predict that 70-90% of coral reefs are in danger of disappearing in the next two decades (2030-2050).
More information is available at www.supercoralplay.org and www.oceancaymsc.com.
