Sadly, 75% of coral reefs are in danger today. Most people don’t realize how crucial coral reefs are to the balance of our natural environment. While coral reefs only cover 0.0025% of the oceanic floor, they generate half of the Earth’s oxygen and absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide generated from burning fossil fuels.
At Hazelett Marine, we pride ourselves in our eco-friendly product and strive to be environmental stewards, continuously doing more in the realm of ocean conservation. Traditional chain mooring systems generally have a 3 to 1 scope and rake the seabed when boats pull and shift due to the direction and strength of the wind and tides. This damages sensitive eelgrass and coral reef systems. The Hazelett conservation elastic system, connected to a block or Helix screw anchor, floats above the seabed with a minimal environmental footprint.
Because chain is so destructive to ocean environments, more and more harbors, counties, cities and countries around the world are prohibiting chain moorings and are requiring conservation elastic moorings to help preserve our natural environment. The research has been done and the results are clear. In Rhode Island, for example, eelgrass has made an incredible comeback over the last 10 years due to efforts to minimize chain. As a result, the RI EPA is restricting any new or chain replacements and instead is encouraging the switch to conservation moorings.
Hazelett Marine is involved in several eelgrass restoration projects and we have partnered with organizations doing impressive work in ocean conservation. Reef Life Restoration, as an example, is working to rebuild the ocean’s bone structure through breakthrough science and nanotechnologies developed over 12 years. Let us know what marine conservation projects your organization is working on. We would love to get involved!