At P4C, based in sunny San Diego, California, we are deeply committed to the health of our oceans and the preservation of coral reefs. Our mission goes beyond swimwear—it's about supporting marine life through research and coral reef restoration.

The Sea of Cortez, just over the border, is known for its incredible diving, but navigating the politics of obtaining permits for conservation projects in Mexico can take years. In contrast, we recognize the importance of immediate, ongoing action. San Diego’s marine life, from abalone shells to Garibaldi fish and leopard sharks, exemplifies the richness that marine protected areas provide.

By purchasing our swimwear, you are supporting coral reef restoration and ocean health. Every piece sold contributes 10% to vital research and ongoing restoration projects to protect the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans. Together, we can help turn the tide on coral reef decline and work towards a more sustainable future for our seas.

The issue of reef restoration is not just about rebuilding; it’s also about addressing broader environmental concerns. For example, millions of dollars are spent on decommissioning offshore oil rigs once they’ve exhausted their resources—an effort that highlights the high costs associated with maintaining ocean health, yet also demonstrates the potential to repurpose these rigs as artificial reefs to support marine life.

One of the most pressing challenges we face in ocean conservation is funding and long-term engagement. While building biorock structures (artificial reefs) is relatively straightforward, the hardest part is ensuring that these efforts are sustained. In Thailand, the Biorock project has spent over two decades building and maintaining reef structures, but continued political and financial support remains difficult to secure.

The situation in places like the Grand Bahamas, where coral coverage is just 0.01%, is heartbreaking. The issue is compounded by a lack of investment from governments, cruise lines, and hotels, who often fail to recognize the long-term benefits of healthy reefs. While some large corporations donate briefly for press releases, true, sustained engagement remains elusive.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Thailand's Biorock initiative was able to reverse coral bleaching in certain areas, demonstrating that, with the right approach, even the most dire situations can be turned around. Our goal is to continue supporting these efforts by bringing awareness to the crisis, documenting bleaching events, and contributing to movements like the "1 Million Corals" campaign.

The most common type of reef is the fringing reef. This reef grows outward from the shore, creating a border between the island’s shoreline and the open ocean. Near the shore, the reef is typically flat and shallow, forming a 'reef flat' that is bathed in sunlight and may even be exposed during low tide. As the reef extends further out, it transitions into a steeper slope or drop-off, where the structure descends into deeper waters. This outer edge is often teeming with marine life, nourished by nutrient-rich currents from the open ocean.

When a fringing reef grows upward from a volcanic island that has gradually sunk below sea level, keeping pace with the rising water, it forms an atoll. Over time, this process forms an atoll—a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a central lagoon where the island's peak once stood. The atoll typically has a circular or oval shape, with the reef forming a barrier protecting the calm lagoon.

The lagoon often appears vibrant blue and shallow, contrasting with the deeper ocean waters outside the reef. Gaps or channels in the reef allow water and marine life to flow between the lagoon and the open ocean, adding to its dynamic ecosystem. This creates a stunning natural formation where the volcano's original presence is only hinted at by the circular reef and the tranquil lagoon it encircles.

Barrier reefs are like fringing reefs in that they also border a shoreline; however, instead of growing directly out from the shore, they are separated from land by an expanse of water. This creates a lagoon of open, often deep water between the reef and the shore.

Coral reefs are important because they bring in billions of dollars to our economy through tourism, protect coastal homes from storms, support promising medical treatments, and provide a home for millions of aquatic species.