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Honda Launches Marine Science Foundation to Preserve Coasts

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Students conduct field research supported by the Honda Marine Science Foundation.

Students conduct field research supported by the Honda Marine Science Foundation

Today Honda announced the establishment the Honda Marine Science Foundation, its new initiative for restoring the marine ecosystem and addressing the impact of humans and climate change on oceans and intertidal areas. Based on the Japanese concept of “sato-umi”—the meeting of land and sea where human and aquatic life coexist peacefully—the foundation is committed to marine conservation, and will support science-based programs that improve and preserve coastal areas, such as the Southern California Native Oyster Restoration Project.

Honda has been researching the oceanic and aquatic impacts of a rapidly changing climate, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels since 2015.

“As a company dedicated to sustainability, we are proud to launch the Honda Marine Science Foundation and focus on coastal environmental awareness,” said Steven Center, Honda Marine Science Foundation chairman. “After learning about the challenges and opportunities presented to us by a range of oceanic and atmospheric experts, Honda determined the foundation would foster meaningful cross-sector collaboration to help restore our marine ecosystems.”

The foundation’s first initiative, the Southern California Native Oyster Restoration Project, is being conducted in partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. The project’s goals include educating the public about the benefits of restoring native oysters for shoreline stabilization.

“Collaborating with the Honda Marine Science Foundation will expand our research efforts and help educate people about the positive impact native oyster restoration will have on the Southern California coast,” said Hunter Lenihan, a professor at UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and a Honda Marine Science Foundation board member.

The Honda Marine Science Foundation board is made up of Honda representatives and experts from the marine sciences field, and will help identify projects that support the foundation’s mission and provide guidance for such initiatives.

The Honda Marine Science Foundation is just one of Honda’s many environmental initiatives. Others include the Honda Environmental Leadership Program, which encourages Honda automobile dealers to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact, and the Honda Smart Home US, which showcases Honda’s vision for zero-carbon living.

To learn more about the Honda Marine Science Foundation, go to marinescience.honda.com.