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Editorial

Supporting ocean conservation: introducing Beneath  The Waves

5 MIN READ

The Ocean’s Best
Kept Secret

We’re proud to announce our exciting partnership with eco-champions
Beneath The Waves: a non-profit research institute specialising in the protection  of sharks and protecting seagrass meadows. Read on to find out more!

The CEO and founder of Beneath The Waves, Dr Austin Gallagher, analysing the world’s largest seagrass meadow

A SERENDIPITOUS DISCOVERY

Through their protection of Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas, the Beneath the Waves team were responsible for discovering the world’s largest seagrass meadow. By monitoring the sharks’ movements they unveiled something greater than they could have imagined. After this huge discovery, they began work to protect this delicate and precious resource, as well as expanding their search for and protection of other seagrass meadows across the globe.

Did you know that seagrass stores 15 times more carbon than the rainforest? It’s a secret weapon in the fight against climate change, and we’re excited to support the Beneath the Waves team and the protection and growth of this incredible ecosystem.

“seagrass stores 15
times more carbon than rainforests”

SUPPORTING COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Fighting climate change is just one of the seagrass meadow’s superpowers – it also provides clean water, reduces land erosion by up to 40%, and limits damage from tidal waves. In short, it’s essential we protect these ecosystems and the people who live, work and play along the coastlines.

The coastline of beautiful Puerto Rico

THE POWER OF BLUE CARBON

Blue carbon refers to the carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere and stored in marine and coastal ecosystems, like seagrass meadows. It’s essential that we care for this precious seagrass meadow to let it work its magic, taking care of blue carbon to protect our oceans  and our planet. If we don’t, all the carbon that has taken a millennia to accumulate will be re-released into our environment.

Dr. Austin injecting seeds into the seagrass meadow

A MATCH MADE IN OCEAN CONSERVATION HEAVEN

With our roots in the Caribbean, taking care of our home is important to us. By partnering with Beneath the Waves, we can continue our passion for sustainability and help them expand their incredible work to protect our home!

Our partnership has allowed them to extend their reach beyond the Bahamas, further improving their essential efforts in preserving and protecting our precious marine ecosystems.

Malik Adunni, Board of Directors for Beneath the Waves

MAKING WAVES FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES

This exciting partnership goes beyond science and preservation – we’re also committed to making a positive impact on coastal communities affected by climate change, not only in the Caribbean but across the globe. By investing in ocean conservation projects and supporting vulnerable coastal communities, we create lasting change for the oceans and the people who depend on them.

“I wish people knew more about sea grass in regards to how  it's going to help  our environment above land.”

Malik Adunni, Board of Directors for Beneath the Waves

THE URGENCY OF SEAGRASS CONSERVATION

Seagrass meadows are under threat globally, with an estimated loss of the equivalent to one football field every 30 minutes. This alarming decline highlights the importance of conserving these vital ecosystems before it’s too late. By caring for this incredible ecosystem, we can help tackle climate change and honour the ancient legacy of seagrass.

We’re excited to tell you more about our partnership with Beneath The Waves. Keep up to  date on our socials @BACARDI for more information and announcements as we continue  our sustainability journey!