About TRAF
The Tsunami
The Southeast Asia tsunami of December 26, 2004, killed 200,000 people, leaving five million in need of basic services and millions more with no source of income. The tsunami also damaged natural resources on which these people depended for food and jobs every day. The tsunami destroyed coral reefs, which are the lifeblood of 350 million people, and harm to ecological systems continues. Debris that was dragged offshore still rolls around on the reefs and with every wave more coral is broken. Local inhabitants are still without work. For many of these families, fish from their coral reefs provided over 65% of their protein. Dive tourism and fishing was a key source of revenue. Recovery will take a long time. Read related news articles about the tsunami.
TRAF History
The Tsunami Reef Action Fund (TRAF) was started with a major donation by Dr . Deborah Brosnan (SEI President) as a way of giving back to the oceans and to those strangers who helped her when her flight to Los Angeles crashed in Southeast Asia. TRAF provides scientific and financial support to local communities in reef cleanup, restoration and management. The goal is to help individuals, communities, and the coral reefs get "back on their feet." Deborah Brosnan traveled throughout Southeast Asia after the tsunami to meet, work with, and support scientists and local communities. While there, she seeded several local projects. Meet the champions for coral reefs and communities.
Many individuals and corporations now support the Fund. Together we are making a difference for Southeast Asia ecosystems and communities. You can read Dr. Brosnan’s personal account of her trips in support of the tsunami- devastated communities at her tsumani relief web log.
