Samsung Electronics today announced its “Corals in Focus” initiative, powered by Ocean Mode.1 An advanced camera feature on a new Galaxy mobile phone has received several awards for its contribution to coral reef conservation, including Gold in the “Best Sustainability or Conservation Initiative” category. Stay tuned for GOOD’s 2026 Halo Awards.
Additionally, “Corals in Focus”, a documentary about the initiative, received a Coastal and Island Culture Award. 23rd International Ocean Film Festival. Samsung was named separately Fast Company’s 2026 Most Innovative Companies List For his work advancing mobile innovation in environmental research.
These recognitions reflect the impact of Samsung’s efforts to halt coral reef decline in partnership with US-based non-profit organization SeaTrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. By bringing together Galaxy’s advanced image capturing capabilities, CTrees’ community-driven restoration model, and Scripps’ knowledge of marine science, Samsung is turning Galaxy mobile phones into powerful tools for ocean conservation.
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, yet support approximately 25% of marine life and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.2 Without intervention, many reefs are at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to climate change, pollution and overfishing.
To help address this challenge, Samsung collaborated with SeaTrees and Scripps to advance coral reef restoration across a growing network of sites in Costa Rica, Fiji, the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia and the United States.
Through “Samsung X CSeries: Bringing Coral into Focus” InitiativePartners and local communities are provided with Ocean Mode-equipped Galaxy devices and underwater housings to capture high-quality underwater imagery, which is used to generate detailed 3D photogrammetric models. This process improves the way coral reefs are monitored and assessed, resulting in important insights into reef health and recovery.
Together, Samsung, CTrees and Scripps are making a meaningful impact on restoration sites. to date, Over 20,000 pieces of coral have been planted, and over 80 3D reef models have been created Support monitoring and research efforts.
Now available through expert raw,3 Ocean Mode extends these capabilities to Galaxy users, allowing advanced underwater imaging4 Available to more people while reducing reliance on expensive, bulky DSLR equipment. This increased access is important to enhance coral reef monitoring efforts, especially in areas where resources and technical infrastructure may be limited.
The recognition builds on Samsung’s broader commitment to sustainability under its initiative, Our Journey: Galaxy for the Planet. From incorporating recycled materials into Galaxy devices to developing technologies like Ocean Mode with like-minded partners, Samsung continues to explore how innovation can help protect the planet.
