• Quality Habitat for Fish<span> & </span>t]Coral
    Quality Habitat for Fish & Coral EcoReefs installations create high quality reef habitat for fish, coral and other invertebrates
  • Promotes Coral Growth
    Promotes Coral Growth Non-toxic ceramic promotes growth of coral transplants and natural recruits
  • Creates A Balanced EcoSystem
    Creates A Balanced EcoSystem Attracts grazing fish which naturally control algae, creating clean surfaces for coral settlement
  • Mitigates Coral Reef Damage
    Mitigates Coral Reef Damage Used to mitigate reef damage caused by blast fishing, cable laying & dredging operations
  • Covers<br>Large<br>Areas
    Covers
    Large
    Areas     A single 40' container builds 700 EcoReefs modules, covering 500+ square meters
  • Fast<br>& Easy<br>r>Assembly
    Fast
    & Easy
    Assembly     Prefabricated components assemble in five minutes using simple hand tools

Featured Video: Qatar EcoReefs

Welcome to EcoReefs

The Artificial Reef for Growing Coral Reefs

EcoReefs® provides innovative solutions for marine ecological enhancements to coastal developments, marine preserves, and environmental impact zones. EcoReefs combines established principles from marine ecology with aesthetically-pleasing, eco-friendly materials to deliver state-of-the-art artificial reef systems used worldwide. Our proven approach creates high-quality habitat for reef fish, young corals and other marine organisms and helps to jump-start the establishment of coral reefs in barren areas -- cost-effectively, at scale, and with minimal logistical requirements.

Comprehensive artificial reef design & build services:

  • Site Assessments & Artificial Reef Design
  • Manufacture of EcoReefs Ceramic Artificial Reef Modules
  • Artificial Reef Installation
  • Culture & Transplantation of Marine Organisms
  • Long-term Monitoring & Maintenance
  • Tendering, Procurement & Project Management

How We Work

1

Free Preliminary Consultation We'll learn about your specific setting and objectives to determine if EcoReefs is the appropriate solution for you. Just contact us.

2

Site Survey We make a site visit to assess the physical setting, ecological conditions, logistical support and local permitting requirements.

3

Design & Final Proposal We prepare a proposal that includes the reef design recommendation and finalized budget for the contract SOW (and required permits).

4

Ship & Clear Materials The module components are shipped to the site in 40' containers. Supplies and specialty dive equipment are sent by air freight.

5

Assemble & Install Reef We manage shore and marine operations. Modules are assembled, moved to the site, arranged per the design, and anchored in place.

6

Transplant CoralsOptional, but strongly recommended. We transplant coral branch tips after installation is complete, while the module ceramic is still pristine.

7

Monitor Reef Progress We'll return as needed to document the abundance and diversity of fish, coral, and other marine life on the EcoReefs installation.

Why EcoReefs?

6

Our Six Key Benefits

EcoReefs is the superior choice for growing coral reefs

Read More

We Know Coral Reefs

With over 50 years of combined experience in reef science, we know what it takes for a coral reef to thrive.

Pullers and corals on EcoReefs

Corals are sensitive organisms with important biological, physical and ecological requirements that must all be met for young colonies to successfully establish in large numbers and form a reef ecosystem.

EcoReefs patented ceramic modules were specifically designed to meet these critical requirements and help quickly establish coral reefs in damaged or barren areas.

More Videos...

Dolphin Energy Documentary

Bluefields Bay Installation

500 Module CG Swimthrough

Praise for EcoReefs

 

"EcoReefs installations slow water currents, shelter the small fish which keep coral clean and alive, and provide the necessary micro-environments for successful coral growth. Dolphin is pleased to have sourced a system that will contribute sensitively and positively to the marine environment in which we work."

Ahmed Ali al-Sayegh, CEO Dolphin Energy, Qatar
 

"Because this is a national park with a large diving tourism sector, we were interested in as simple and aesthetically-pleasing a technique as possible"

Arnaz Mehta, Seacology
 

"Modules look instantly organic [and] as a naturally beautiful reef takes over, the EcoReef performs its duty as a substrate, functioning well both ecologically and aesthetically. EcoReefs not only create something immediately attractive, they do so over a large area no matter what the existing topography."

Jessica Tallman, Reef Restoration Handbook

FAQ

Why Ceramic?

EcoReefs modules are made from food-grade ceramic stoneware. When it comes to growing corals and other sensitive invertebrates, ceramic is the best choice compared to typical artificial reef materials (e.g. concrete, metal, PVC). Reef ecologists have used ceramic tiles since the 1970's to study invertebrate recruitment on coral reefs because ceramic is non-toxic, pH neutral, and has no active surface chemistry to poison young organisms.

Coral recruit on EcoReefs

More FAQs

EcoReefs: The Science Behind Our Products

  • The Dead Reef Problem
  • Stabilizes Sediments
  • Shelters Grazing Fish
  • Promotes Coral Recruitment
  • Large & Complex Habitats

WHY DEAD REEFS STAY DEAD...

Corals have great difficulty colonizing barren areas with loose sediment. This why coral reefs take many decades to recover from physical damage -- once the live coral cover is gone, reef sediments are no longer stabilized, habitat complexity is lost, grazing fish abandon the site, and algae takes over. Young corals rarely survive because they are overgrown by algae, buried by sediments, or rolled by currents.

EcoReefs installations enable young corals to gain a foothold in barren, hostile areas by meeting the critical ecological requirements for coral reef establishment.

Ecology of Coral Reef Establishment

SLOWS WATER FLOW & STABLIZES SEDIMENTS

Young corals are easily abraded or buried by moving sand and sediment. EcoReefs are engineered to efficiently cover large areas and slow the flow of water over the entire site, which helps reduce sediment movement. In addition, the modules are designed with settlement surfaces raised up off the seabed. This provides young corals and other invertebrates safe places to grow that are well-protected from sand scour.

PROTECTION FOR SMALL GRAZING FISH

Corals depend on the presence of fish, especially small grazers, for their survival because these fish eat fast-growing algae that would otherwise quickly overgrow and kill young corals. EcoReefs modules create a dense, protective canopy of interlocking branches that provides high-quality habitat for large numbers of small fish.

CLEAN, NON-TOXIC SURFACES FOR CORAL RECRUITS

Planktonic coral larvae can't settle on algae covered surfaces, instead they need clean, chemically inert surfaces. The grazing activity of small fish keeps EcoReefs installations clean, and provides a steady supply of bare surfaces for settlement of planktonic coral larvae. EcoReefs modules are made of non-toxic, chemically-inert ceramic which does not inhibit the settlement and of corals and other invertebrates (as does concrete and metal).

LARGE & COMPLEX HABITATS WITH HIGH NICHE POTENTIAL

When deployed in large arrays, EcoReefs installations create complex, naturalistic habitats that that mimic those of natural reefs. EcoReefs habitats offer a wide variety of shade, textures, micro-turbulence, and flow regimes needed by fish and invertebrates. EcoReefs can be used alone or in conjunction with other environmentally-appropriate materials to further increase habitat complexity.

EcoReefs Projects

  • Current

    QatarGas, Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar

    Habitat Enhancement Impact Mitigation

    QatarGas has engaged EcoReefs to manage tendering for installation of 350 EcoReefs modules that will be used as an ecological enhancement for underwater pipeline at Ras Laffan Industrial City.

    Noranda Bauxite Partners, Discovery Bay, Jamaica

    Impact Mitigation

    EcoReefs has been engaged by Noranda Bauxite Partners to install 500 EcoReefs modules in Discovery Bay to mitigate reef impacts associated with channel dredging operations.

  • Abu Dhabi

    Marawah Marine Protected Area, Abu Dhabi UAE

    Ecological Research

    50 EcoReefs modules were installed the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve west of Abu Dhabi island in August 2008, as part of a study sponsored by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). Performance of the EcoReefs installation will be compared to concrete artificial reef structures, and the results of the study will be used to develop guidance for proper use of artificial reefs in Abu Dhabi waters.

  • Qatar

    Dolphin Energy Study Reef, Qatar

    Ecological Research

    Dolphin Energy deployed 576 EcoReefs modules off of Ras Laffan Industrial City to study reef growth potential on artificial reefs compared to pipelines and control plots. This project builds on a previous 3 year coral reef mapping study by Dolphin Energy that identified the need to regenerate coral reefs in selected areas. The study was implemented in consultation with the Qatar's Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves and the Qatar University Environmental Studies Center.

  • Jamaica

    Bluefields & Montego Bay Fish Sanctuaries, Jamaica

    Habitat Enhancement

    The Inter-America Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture engaged EcoReefs to create reef fish habitat in the Bluefields Bay and Montego Bay fish sanctuaries. 350 EcoReefs modules were installed at each site, and staghorn corals (A. cervicornis) were transplanted at the Montego Bay site. The project was sponsored through the CIDA/Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries/IICA "Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity Project" (IJAP), and was completed in August 2011

    Falmouth Harbor Mitigation, Jamaica

    Impact Mitigation

    Boskalis Westminster N.V. engaged EcoReefs to mitigate environmental impacts associated with the construction of new cruise ship facilities for the Historic Falmouth Harbour development in Jamaica. 1206 EcoReefs modules were installed in shallow water near the entrance of Falmouth Bay to create new reef habitat for fish and coral. The project was conducted in two phases, and was completed in May 2011.

  • Bahamas

    Coco Cay Resort, Bahamas

    Watersports Ecological Research

    Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is using EcoReefs modules to create a shallow-water snorkeling reef at its Coco Cay shore excursion resort facility. Snorkeling is the resort's most popular watersports concession, enjoyed by thousands of guests each year. 50 EcoReefs modules were installed in the Coco Cay lagoon area to create an engaging point-of-interest for snorkelers.  The ecological development of the reef is being studied as  part of an ongoing monitoring programme.

  • Indonesia

    Bunaken National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

    Habitat Enhancement Impact Mitigation

    In 2003, 1100 EcoReefs modules were installed in Bunaken National Park, N. Sulawesi to rehabilitate reef areas severely damaged by blast fishing. One of Indonesia's premier dive destinations, BNP is visited by thousands of divers each year. 650 modules were installed at Manado Tua Island and 450 modules were installed at Bunaken Island with coral transplantation at both sites. The EcoReefs installations at BNP have successfully established coral reefs in loose rubble environments where corals have not been able to grow for several decades.

     

  • Philippines

    El Nido Marine Reserve, Palawan, Philippines

    Habitat Enhancement Impact Mitigation

    In 2004, 626 EcoReefs modules were installed at Tres Marias in the El Nido Marine Reserve. Tres Marias is a former coral reef and dive site near Miniloc Island which was badly damaged by dynamite and other forms of illegal fishing. The project was implemented by the El Nido Foundation with support from Seacology. The reef restoration project is part of a larger conservation plan that includes the establishment of a 2000 acre no-take zone by ten El Nido villages to improve declining fish and coral populations.

  • Singapore

    Funtasy Island, Singapore

    Habitat Enhancement

    Funtasy Island Development Group engaged EcoReefs to make a site assessment and feasibility study for future marine ecological enhancements as part of the master plan for this new eco-resort off the coast of Singapore.

  • Fiji

    Poseidon Underwater Resort, Fiji

    Watersports Habitat Enhancement

    EcoReefs provided a reefscape and coral nursery design for the Poseidon Underwater Resort and Hotel project under development at Katafanga Atoll. Envisioned as an exclusive luxury resort featuring dramatic underwater suites with 360° viewing galleries, Poseidon engaged EcoReefs for a design treatment that featured a rich, naturalistic reef composed of EcoReefs modules & natural rock forms, and stocked with corals transplanted from a nearby underwater nursery.

  • USA

    Endangered Coral Cultivation, Florida

    Ecological Research

    Cultivation of endangered coral species on EcoReefs modules is being tested on reefs off of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Despite stepped-up conservation efforts, Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata --the two most significant reef-building corals in Florida waters-- are locally extinct on many reefs and are not quickly re-populating. Initial tests on EcoReefs modules using transplanted A. cervicornis branch tips have shown excellent results in just over a year.

    Texas Clipper Reef, Brownsville

    Watersports

    EcoReefs modules were used to create decktop habitat on the U.S.T.S. Texas Clipper for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. This historic vessel was originally commissioned by the Navy in 1944 as a troop carrier, then converted to a luxury liner after WWII, and recommissioned in 1965 as a Texas Maritime Academy training ship for Texas A&M. Decommissioned in 1996, the Texas Clipper was sunk in 2007 as dive attraction 17 miles off the coast of Texas in 137' of water.

Project Calendar

  • 24 Jun 2012

    Noranda Bauxite

    24 Jun 2012 to 29 Jun 2012

    Coral Transplantation of nursery grown Acropora cervicornis stock

  • 26 Mar 2012

    QatarGas Tender

    26 Mar 2012 to 10 Apr 2012

    Tender submissions for installation of EcoReefs modules at Ras Laffan Industrial City Tender Details

  • 19 Feb 2012

    Noranda Bauxite

    19 Feb 2012 to 25 Feb 2012

    Installation of Coral Nursery for transplantation stock in Discovery Bay, Jamaica

  • 15 Feb 2012

    Noranda Bauxite

    15 Feb 2012 to 28 Feb 2012

    Installation of 500 EcoReefs Modules in Discovery Bay

  • 13 Feb 2012

    Noranda Bauxite

    13 Feb 2012 to 14 Feb 2012

    Shipment of 505 modules delivered Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory Jamaica

  • 29 Dec 2011

    Noranda Bauxite

    29 Dec 2011 to 30 Dec 2011

    Shipment of 500 EcoReefs modules

  • 15 Dec 2011

    Noranda Bauxite

    15 Dec 2011 to 16 Dec 2011

    Contracted to install 500 EcoReefs modules with coral transplantion at Discovery Bay, Jamaica

  • 17 Jul 2011

    IICA-IJAP Fisheries

    17 Jul 2011 to 09 Aug 2011

    Installation of 350 EcoReefs modules at Bluefields Bay and 350 EcoReefs modules at Montego Bay, Jamaica

  • 06 May 2011

    IICA-IJAP Fisheries

    06 May 2011 to 07 May 2011

    Shipment of 700 EcoReefs modules

  • 04 May 2011

    Boskalis Westminster

    04 May 2011 to 16 May 2011

    Phase 2 Installation of 575 EcoReefs modules

  • 06 Dec 2010

    Boskalis Westminster

    06 Dec 2010 to 19 Dec 2010

    Phase 1 Installation - 636 EcoReefs modules

  • 22 Nov 2010

    IICA-IJAP Fisheries

    22 Nov 2010 to 23 Nov 2010

    Contract to install 700 EcoReefs modules at Bluefields Bay and Montego Bay

  • 05 Oct 2010

    Boskalis Westminster

    05 Oct 2010 to 06 Oct 2010

    Shipment of 636 EcoReefs Modules for Phase 1 Installation

  • 28 Sep 2010

    Boskalis Westminster

    28 Sep 2010 to 29 Sep 2010

    Contract for 1200 EcoReefs modules to be installed at Falmouth Harbour Jamaica in two phases (Dec-2010 & May-2011)

24 Jun 28 Feb
13 Feb 09 Aug
06 May 23 Nov
05 Oct 29 Sep

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