Mechanism
REEF cell mechanism
REEF CELLS
Reefonomics translates marine ecosystems into clearly defined, verifiable units – reef cells – making marine conservation measurable, attributable, and scalable.
WHAT IS A REEF CELL?
A reef cell is a defined ten-square-metre area of coral reef habitat, mapped and monitored within a sustainably managed ecosystem. By dividing reef areas into a matrix of hexagonal cells, we can systematically track ecological outcomes and attribute conservation contributions with precision.
THE reef cell matrix
Using high-resolution topographical mapping, the reef is digitally represented as a matrix of hexagonal cells—an underwater beehive. This structure enables monitoring and reporting of reef health at scale, with each cell functioning as a point of data and verification.
A SCALABLE FRAMEWORK
This cell-based system makes conservation effort legible and scalable. Because each reef cell is a consistent, measurable unit, contributions from companies can be directly linked to quantifiable outcomes. Whether a company supports one hectare or one hundred, the impact is clear, discrete, and trackable.
health indexing
To assess the biodiversity of the broader protected area, we conduct regular audits of randomly selected reef cells. By measuring diversity and habitat intactness within these cells, we gain a reliable picture of ecological functioning across the entire reef system. This approach allows us to understand reef health dynamically at scale, using technology-driven methods such as: AI-driven image and video analysis, acoustic monitoring and environmental DNA sampling.
We assess reef health using a custom-built index tailored to tropical coral ecosystems. Instead of relying on fixed historical baselines, our approach compares reef conditions dynamically across space and time, enabling robust tracking of ecological change.
outcome-driven
Reefonomics focuses on tangible ecological outcomes, not just intent. By mapping, monitoring, and verifying conservation at the reef cell level, we create a framework that is transparent, measurable, and built for integration into corporate sustainability strategy
CONSERVATION APPROACH
Reefonomics connects companies to audited ecological outcomes in sustainably managed reef ecosystems, where thriving biodiversity is underpinned by an economic model that incentivises long-term reef preservation.
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