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Pioneering novel research in reef restoration and coastal conservation

through innovative marine science practices

Discover how you can help
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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 and Canada, 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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As published on

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Our Mission

To pioneer innovative mariculture solutions that remove CO2 from the air, restore marine ecosystems, and strengthen local communities with measurable, quantifiable results.

 

 

Our Vision

A thriving and more sustainable future where mariculture and marine science help mitigate climate change by permanently storing CO2 in calcifying organisms, while also creating healthier reef ecosystems and resilient coastal communities in the process.

Our 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.

Our 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.

What we're about

Removal of carbon from the atmosphere
Replenishing reefs with needed species
Restoring marine ecosystems
Reviving coastal communities
Rethinking what is possible for our future

"Timelapse of Tridacna giant clams in our saltwater tanks from our Shiga facility in Japan"

Our Project

Developing a novel in-shore giant clam grow out methodology.

Clam Mariculture

As our main avenue for direct carbon removal, food security, and threatened species preservation, we grow multiple species of giant clams.


We currently grow five species of giant clams:
  • Tridacna crocea
  • Tridacna derasa
  • Tridacna maxima
  • Tridacna squamosa
  • Tridacna noae

Education

We are constantly working to correct misinformation in the marine science field, especially as it pertains to coral reefs. We also partner with local schools to provide tours for students, universities to offer internships, and other foundations to expand our impact. 

See our blog for the latest on our work helping to educate, elucidate, and inspire.

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:

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  • 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 - our research is focused on how to address these challenges and preserve some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet

  • Community Enhancement
    All our work in preserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and sequestering carbon is grounded in delivering co-benefits for local communities in associated areas
  • 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 reverse coral bleaching, restore mangrove stands, and re-seed lost habitat ranges for giant clams
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Our Founder

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!

"I believe in the power of restoration"

Support Us

Make a real difference!

By supporting IMARCS you’re supporting threatened marine species, permanent carbon removal, educational activities, and important research on the future of our oceans.

Individuals

“Adopt-a-clam” or support us directly.

Companies

Inquire about partnerships or support our research.

Aquarists

Inquire about live species or decorative shells.

Support 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, research tanks, 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.

Individual

Individuals

Reach out to "Adopt-a-clam" or support us directly

Company

Companies

Inquire about partnerships or support our research via our donations page

News & Perspectives from IMARCS

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