CoralConnect

Inspiration

We came together for the common cause of protecting coral reefs. From our biology classes, we learned about the severe harm that human activities are causing toward these ecosystems. Therefore, we decided to come up with a solution that can help to protect coral reefs and our environment. We believe that our device and website can spread awareness and cast a positive impact on people and their knowledge for coral reefs.

What it does

CoralConnect is an organization that builds a protective area surrounding coral reefs. The main goal of our organization is to spread awareness about this organism and how the decline of it can cause detrimental impacts. With a specially designed device, we would be able to monitor the coral’s pH levels and temperature. Using the data collected, the device would be able to cool/warm the coral’s surroundings so that the environment is better suited for the coral. The information will also be sent to marine biologists/environmental scientists in our group or in the U.N. so they can utilize the data as well. Additionally, we utilize an “adoption” feature where people can sign up and pay to monitor a specific area of corals through the special cameras of our devices. This helps with additional funding for our services and research for the protection of coral reefs.

How we build it

First, we discussed and designed a blueprint of the device and all its necessary features like a camera, water-powered generator, temperature sensor, and heater/cooler. Then, we researched on what materials will be needed to keep the device waterproof and floating. After we did all the necessary research, we discussed it with our mentors to see its reality and practicality. Our final product is a self-powering all-in-one device that can record and send data, adjust to its environment, and regulate surrounding temperatures. We believe that this device can truly revolutionize marine philanthropy, and that this device has infinitely much room to improve to solve other problems.

Challenges we ran into

One of the foremost challenges we ran into was coming up with an idea in the first place. Due to the significant plethora of issues that are present in the world, it was difficult to come up with a specific one to work on. However, we eventually decided upon the problems with coral reef protection. Another challenge was communication with each other as some of us were not able to meet up face to face to work on the project. We fixed this issue by connecting with the group members through Zoom meetings.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

One accomplishment that we are proud of is creating the design of the device used to monitor the coral reefs. The diagram was hand-drawn by one of our team members and is very detailed in showing each aspect of the product. Another accomplishment was the website. After collecting a lot of information, one of our team members was able to put the data together on the website. We are proud because our combined efforts were able to make this project possible.

What we learned

From CoralConnect we’ve learned more about how corals play an important role in our environment. Coral reefs allow habitat, feeding, spawning, and nursery grounds for over 1 million aquatic species, including commercially harvested fish species. Food for people living near coral reefs, especially on small islands. So if we protect our coral reefs with our product: CoralConnect it also means that millions of species will be protected and it also protects coastal areas by reducing the power of waves.

What's next for CoralConnect

We envision CoralConnect to be accessible by people all around the world, on any device. We wish to expand to all electronic platforms starting with IOS, Android, Linux, and so on. In the future, we want to at least hook up Coral Connect to 50% of corals as this will help protect the births of new corals and also existing ones.