A CORAL nursery at Fitzroy Island near Cairns is the focus of efforts by ANL to support environmental recovery.
ANL is owned by French shipping giant CMA CGM which has committed to core principles regarding sustainable use of the oceans and respect for marine life.
ANL’s new Reef Recovery Program seeks to aid in the coral reef’s regeneration and help alleviate coral bleaching.
Core to this program is a relationship with the Reef Restoration Foundation, a not-for-profit working to establish a fast-growing coral nursery at picturesque Fitzroy Island.
This coral nursery is to be tended to by a team of experts to quickly produce mature coral to be placed back on the Great Barrier Reef.
“This is very important to ANL, the CMA CGM Group and every one of our team members, we want to act for the planet and dive headfirst into the coral regeneration journey right here in our backyard with this partnership,” ANL chief executive Shane Walden said.
“With Australian roots, we have a strong association with the Great Barrier Reef.
“Coral is the lung of the ocean and the condition of underwater life. While the reef is under significant environmental pressure, ANL has the opportunity and the capability to help its regeneration and we’re very enthusiastic to do so.”
This project is said to be a first stone in a larger dynamic around coral restoration.
The CMA CGM Group is to engage in similar projects in different parts of the world next year, notably in the Caribbean.
CMA CGM group executive Xavier Eiglier said CMA CGM Group and all its employees were committed to acting for people, planet and responsible trade.
“The sustainable use of the oceans and respect for marine life and biodiversity are part of our core principles,” Mr Eiglier said.
