Jason Momoa Sounds Off On Global Coral Reef Plight

Planet Earth, Momoa notes, citing NOAA, is fresh out of experiencing its most widespread coral-bleaching event on record, lasting 33 consecutive months into 2025.

NOAA scientists also warn that a 1.5-degree celsius jump in global temperature averages could mean “up to 90% of coral reefs lost. Ninety per cent,” he adds, with great, italicized affect, before fomenting further doom and gloom: “And 1.5C is not lingering in the distance—it’s extremely close.”

But Momoa, who has been famously about as down and out as down and out gets and credits surfing (and a generous kindred spirit) for his salvation, is not without how. “...I refuse to let coral reefs be a lost cause,” he promulgates with conviction.

“In Hawai’i, we talk about kuleana—a responsibility passed down through generations. Different languages have different terms for it, but this sense of duty and care is not a new concept.” Indeed, he’s far from bigoted about his people’s particularly admirable, innate sense of stewardship: “It’s been central, especially to island nations and coastal societies, for centuries.”

While Momoa calls upon “every single person on Earth” to do their share, he cites his own empirical evidence of how and where bleaching and other coral-damaging events can be reversed.

In French Polynesia, he witnessed “firsthand how readily they’ll step up and help restore [coral reefs], once given the tools and support to do so.

That support? Yes, it invariably has dollar signs attached. “Through my work with the UN Environment Programme and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs,” Momoa expounds, “I’ve also seen how smart investments can lead to major change. Even a little bit of finance can go a long way to help people find new ways to earn a living without destroying nature, boost conservation of marine ecosystems, and support communities in rebuilding sustainably after they’re hit by extreme weather.”

“These give me hope,” he says, hearteningly before placing his call to action: “The months ahead could be a defining moment for coral reefs. New science and a slew of major global gatherings—from Kenya and New Zealand to the Global Coral Reef Summit—are going to help coral reefs get the attention they deserve.”

“Then it’s up to all of us to do something with that attention. There is no time to place blame or point fingers… Across the board, we know what works. Cut our climate footprints. Reduce our plastic pollution. Protect the species that are critical to reefs. Take care when underwater. Buy from reef-positive businesses. Support coastal communities. Invest. Legislate. Speak. Act.”

Fair dinkum, Mr. Momoa.