Q&A: Why do Mars’ Coral Projects Matter for Food & Drink?

Mars is strengthening its commitment to ocean health through a science-led approach to conservation and restoration, driven by a vision to protect the marine ecosystems that underpin global food and drink supply.

The company is turning its ambitions into practical impact, advancing large-scale restoration, community partnership and evidence-based environmental stewardship across its worldwide operations.

Professor David Smith, Chief Marine Science Officer at Mars and Senior Director of Mars Sustainable Solutions, leads this work by embedding rigorous science into the design and delivery of the company’s coral reef restoration programme.

He ensures that research, innovation and long-term ecological thinking shape Mars’ strategy, partnerships and on-the-ground action, helping safeguard the ocean resources essential to the future of food and drink.

Drawing on more than 27 years at the University of Essex and a career focused on coral reef ecology and marine conservation, David bridges academia and industry, bringing scientific insight to the challenges facing marine ecosystems.

His work spans programme design, implementation and scaling, delivered with local communities, governments, NGOs and businesses to ensure restoration is effective, resilient and sustainable.

David shares his perspective with Food and Drink Digital here.

What is Mars' global coral reef restoration program?

Through Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS) and our Sheba Hope Grows program, we’re delivering a global coral reef restoration program covering more than 90 sites around the world combining science with local knowledge to regenerate reefs at scale. 

The program is part of the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which addresses urgent environmental and social challenges while supporting long-term business resilience and positive societal impact. 

Rebuilding coral reefs might not be the first thing people associate with Mars, but our business and the communities we rely on for our raw materials depend on healthy oceans and oceans need thriving and flourishing coral reefs which support up to a third of all marine species. 

But, these vital ecosystems are under severe threat and as a global business which depends on natural resources and a supply chain that covers the world, it recognises its responsibility but also the opportunity to drive positive sustainability initiatives that are focused on dealing with some of our planets most critical problems and to share its learnings to a wide an audience as possible. 

Our approach, to rebuild coral reef ecosystems, known as the MARRS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System), blends science with local knowledge and leadership. 

This method enables scalable restoration and fosters long-term community stewardship.

Using interconnected “Reef Stars”- hexagonal, sand-coated steel structures, to which coral fragments are attached, we facilitate rapid coral growth and kickstart reef recovery process.

What began as a question in 2006 - Is it possible to rebuild a coral reef? - has evolved into one of the largest and most successful coral reef restoration efforts. 

Since 2011, we’ve been dedicated to bringing coral reef ecosystems back to health in critical regions within the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans refining our MARRS approach into a low-cost, reproducible model for impact at scale.

To date, we’ve installed more than 87,000 Reef Stars and planted more than 1.3 million corals and restored around 110,000 square meters of reef habitats across multiple countries and partners (MSS Impact Report, 2024, p23). 

These efforts strengthen coral reef health and productivity, safeguard critical marine ecosystems and support the communities whose livelihoods rely on them promoting long-term sustainability for ocean and coastal environments.

How can coral reef restoration benefit sustainability and the economy?

Coral reefs are vital to both ecological and economic sustainability. 

They support about 25% of all marine life, provide food security for millions and act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage. 

Globally, reefs contribute an estimated US$2.7tn annually through ecosystem services such as fisheries, tourism and coastal protection (International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). 

Restoring reefs isn’t just about saving coral - it’s about rebuilding natural infrastructure that sustains livelihoods and strengthens climate resilience. 

Healthy reefs create tangible economic and social value. 

The restoration process itself provides local employment, training and investment in coastal economies, while thriving reefs strengthen long-term industries such as fishing and tourism. 

They help build climate-resilient coastal communities by offering natural protection, environmental risk reduction and by underpin local economies.

For us at Mars, coral reef restoration creates mutual value - protecting nature while supporting the people and economies that depend on it, building resilience for both planet and business.

Why are global partnerships and collaboration essential for reef restoration?

The scale and complexity of challenges facing the world’s coral reefs are immense - no single organisation, government, or community can solve it alone. 

Collaboration allows us to share data, align methodologies and scale solutions faster and more effectively. 

At Mars, we’ve learned that successful restoration depends on uniting global science with local action. 

We work alongside NGOs, governments, businesses, scientists and local communities to ensure that restoration is grounded in science but also socially and economically sustainable. 
As a business, we also recognise the power of collaboration between the private sector, governments and communities. 

Our role is to use our scale, investment and brand platform to accelerate change while ensuring local partners remain at the centre. 

The health of our oceans is a shared responsibility and only by working together can we restore and protect them for future generations.

How can tech and AI help protect the future of the ocean?

Technology and AI are transforming how we understand and protect marine ecosystems. 

From AI-driven image analysis that tracks coral health, to drones that map reef structures, these tools allow scientists to collect and interpret data at scale and speed. 

At Mars, through our thematic research program, we’re exploring how AI can accelerate reef monitoring, helping us measure coral and biodiversity recovery more efficiently. 

This improves scientific accuracy while freeing up valuable time and resources. 

We’re also looking at how satellite and climate data can map reef health, understand bleaching events and assess long-term impact. 

What’s particularly exciting is how these innovations connect diverse fields - linking ocean scientists, data analysts and even astronauts- to frame restoration as a shared planetary mission. 

When combined with local knowledge and community engagement, AI and technology can be powerful allies in building a more sustainable future for our oceans.