Pepe the Polyp

Communication

Linking the planet together

for the benefit of the environment and humanity-at-large

Economic Self-Empowerment
of the Nonprofit Sector
is the Key to
Planetary Improvement

Artificial Reefs Save our Coral Reef Ecosystem
Don’t Hurt my Home... Sink a Ship Today!”

Pepe is leaving his island to become pro active with his friends & family in order to save his home

The creation of artificial reef structures is an important action to be supported and increased as a viable means to offset destruction of the marine
environment. Artificial reefs create new homes and act as recruitment, growth, nursery areas for juvenile fish, and spawning/mating grounds for adults. As such are essential marine habitat. They provide positive economic and environmental benefits were ever employed and make Pepé happy too!.

INTRODUCING PEPE THE POLYP

Developed by Dr. German Mendez, MERC's first Environmental Director.

Pepé the Polyp® was born off the coast of the isla Cozumel, Mexico in 1986. Pepé and his family quickly saw the destruction to his ocean environment from many different causes and so he dedicated his life to educating divers and all people of the world to be more aware of the importance of coral reefs and the ocean eco-system in general.

When corals are seen underwater they look like colorful rocks, but none the less people often think they are simply inert rocks. Pepé the Polyp®, his family and friends try to use their creative personalities to make people realize that they are actually marine animals that are alive and feeling.

On one hand they are so strong that they act as natural barriers against storms and erosion, yet at the same time so delicate that you can hurt them with the tip of a fin, dragging of an anchor, or with sand poured over them. They have been on the planet for millions of years, yet these reef communities are greatly imperiled at this moment. Pepé and family® want to change people's perspective of coral reefs by providing creative material to educate current and future generations as to the importance of this ecosystem and at the same time has given so many divers so much joy throughout our diving years.