Company: Ocean Rescue Alliance International
Company Description: The Ocean Rescue Alliance is a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that implements innovative techniques to restore marine environments. We use artificial structure to enhance marine environments, build marine habitat, conduct restoration, protect coast lines, and connect communities through art.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Female Innovator of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –10 or Less Employees
 Nomination Title: Shelby Thomas
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 183 words used.
Shelby Thomas, the founder of Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), is a current Marine Biology Ph.D. whose passion for marine conservation has driven her to make significant strides in the field. As CEO and Director of Research at ORAI, Shelby has led the organization to develop innovative and artistic artificial reefs that restore marine environments. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating novel reef technologies and advancing research in marine restoration.
Under Shelby's guidance, ORAI has achieved notable success, including the deployment of over 280 reefs, outplanting over 25,000 corals, and developing eight restoration applications. Recently, the organization opened two coral restoration labs capable of growing 100,000 corals annually and deployed 5 new artificial reef sites. Additionally, ORAI is launching Reefline, a seven-mile underwater art park that combines marine conservation with community engagement and art.
Shelby's dedication to protecting ecosystems extends beyond her organizational leadership. She actively engages in outreach and education, inspiring a new generation of environmentalists. Balancing her roles as a student, non-profit leader, and community advocate, Shelby Thomas is making impactful contributions to marine conservation and restoration.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 157 words used.
Since July 1, 2022, Shelby Thomas has led ORAI through several remarkable achievements. Under her leadership, ORAI opened two coral restoration labs, each with the capacity to grow 100,000 corals annually. This expansion significantly enhances the organization’s ability to scale up coral restoration efforts.
Shelby has also drove the deployment of five new artificial reef sites, further contributing to marine habitat restoration and biodiversity. This acomplishment is huge coordinatiing between over 10 federal, state, environmental agencies and the public. She also has lead groundbreaking research for assited migration with corals and coordanting between university and other nonprofits. In addition, she has spearheaded the development of Reefline, one of the largest underwater art parks in the world, spanning seven miles. This project uniquely integrates art with marine conservation, fostering community engagement and raising awareness about environmental issues.
These accomplishments highlight Shelby's commitment to advancing marine restoration and her innovative approach to combining science, art, and community involvement.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 237 words used.
Shelby Thomas's recent achievements are groundbreaking in the realm of marine conservation. The opening of two coral restoration labs, each with the capacity to grow 100,000 corals annually, is a significant advancement. This scale of coral propagation is unmatched by many in the industry, setting a new standard for restoration capabilities. These labs not only enhance ORAI’s restoration efforts but also position the organization as a leader in innovative marine science.
The deployment of five new artificial reef sites under Shelby’s guidance has dramatically increased ORA’s impact on marine habitats. Compared to other conservation groups, ORAI’s approach of integrating complex habitat creation with advanced restoration technologies distinguishes it as a pioneering force. These reefs not only support biodiversity but also serve as vital research sites, contributing to broader scientific knowledge.
Shelby’s most unique contribution is the launch of Reefline, a seven-mile underwater art park. This project marries art with marine conservation, creating a global model for engaging communities and raising environmental awareness through creative expression. While other organizations might focus solely on ecological restoration, Shelby’s vision includes cultural and educational dimensions, making ORAI’s work particularly distinctive.
In comparison to her past performance, these achievements mark a significant escalation in both scope and innovation. Shelby's ability to balance her roles as a Ph.D. researcher, non-profit leader, and community advocate, while driving such impactful projects, highlights her exceptional dedication and leadership in the field of marine conservation.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 107 words used.
Website:
www.oceanrescuealliance.org
Media Links:
South Florida nonprofit helping save coral reefs by planting artificial mermaids
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/01/04/south-florida-nonprofit-helping-save-coral-reefs-by-planting-artificial-mermaids/
ORAI Overview video: ( https://youtu.be/6CYSkY9608k?si=ZuC6r-ga4YcITorV )
New Ocean-Freiendly reefs coming to waters off of coast of Hollywood Beach
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2022/11/01/new-ocean-friendly-reefs-coming-to-waters-off-coast-of-hollywood-beach/
More in the News:
1000 mermaids site
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/1000-mermaids-artificial-reef
Mermaid sculptures to help restore South Florida reefs (CBS 4 news)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpkVh_moaak
Community news paper- New environmentally beneficial reef in Hollywood
https://communitynewspapers.com/featured/1000-mermaids-artificial-reef-project-set-to-deploy-new-environmentally-beneficial-artificial-reef-site-in-hollywood-florida-on-tuesday-november-1st/
ORAI outplanted 150 staghorn in West Palm Phys.org
https://phys.org/news/2022-06-staghorn-coral-declines-florida-coast.html
Sun sentinel – Innovative Coral Outplanting
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/environment/fl-ne-staghorn-coral-outplanting-ocean-rescue-alliance-20220616-gbumwgidivc2fbcd2zhrj5boou-story.html
| Attachments/Videos/Links: |
|---|
|
