Pioneering novel research in reef restoration and coastal conservation
through innovative marine science practices
Discover how you can help →The International Marine Science and Carbon Sequestration Foundation (IMARCS)
We are piloting groundbreaking research and implementing on-the-ground conservation of reef ecosystems and mangrove environments to benefit life under the sea and on land. Our current efforts utilize saltwater tanks in Japan, a research lab in Spain, a giant clam hatchery in Micronesia, and field research in the reefs of Vietnam and the coasts of Belize.
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Mission
To advance marine conservation, reef resilience, and coastal restoration through hands-on research focused on giant clams, corals, mangroves, and nature-based solutions to remove microplastics and store excess emissions, with measurable results and lasting benefits for local communities.
Vision
A future where marine restoration is practical, measurable, and scalable, with reef organisms, coastal ecosystems, and education programs working together to restore marine environments, positively impact human health, and potentially help adapt to climate change.
Reefs and mangroves are not just the bedrock of ocean ecosystems - they are vital for life on land as well.
We work with incredible people from all over the world to advance marine science and address the core areas of interest for the IMARCS Foundation:
Biodiversity Preservation
Coral reefs are bleaching from changing temperatures, all giant clam species are threatened, and mangroves around the world are under threat from development. One of our main areas of research is focused on how to address these challenges and preserve some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet
Pollutant Removal
Giant clams have shown promise in removing microplastics from the water column, which is a major environmental concern worldwide, and our research seeks to understand their potential role in filtering out these pollutants. Mangroves are also well-equipped to stop microplastics from entering the ocean as they trap them in their root systems, and they are also the best nature-based solution for storing carbon. One other major focus of our research aims to show whether giant clams can provide another quantifiable source of permanent carbon sequestration
Ecosystem Restoration
Our long-term goal is to help reverse coral bleaching, conserve and potentially restore mangrove stands, and re-seed lost habitat ranges for giant clams
Community Enhancement
All our work in preserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, removing microplastics, and sequestering carbon is grounded in delivering co-benefits for local communities in associated areas
Our Founder
"I believe in the power of restoration"
My name is Gui Gui, and I'm from one of the Karen tribes. My family and I had to leave Myanmar as the military there is actively hunting and killing the Karen people, even though we are very peaceful. We escaped to Thailand, where I grew up. Now, I am in Japan, and I'm very happy to have started IMARCS and working with my amazing team!
Learn MoreSupport Us
Make a real difference!
We are a lean research organization, which means your support goes straight to the work, including equipment in our tanks, samples in our lab, and time in the field.
Donations put grow-out systems and life-support gear in our aquariums. They send us into the field for reef transects, eDNA sampling, and habitat surveys. They power the lab analysis that turns samples into data. And they bring reef science to our communities through school tours, education displays, and mangrove and reef partner work.
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