New artificial reef built in Florida

A new artificial reef has been created on the seabed near Delray Beach, Florida. It is the start of a project that will lead to an underwater park.

No Shoes Reefs, a conservation organisation headed by well-known country singer Kenny Chesney, is responsible for preparing and implementing the entire project. The work done at the bottom of Delray Beach marks the beginning of the construction of the underwater park, which is to cover an area of 32 acres.

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Many people don’t realise how fragile marine ecosystems are, and I think it’s the small projects that raise awareness at a local level that help people understand that the ocean is a living thing. It’s a great way to build a No Shoes Nation community made up of people who care about the ocean, the beach and our whole way of life. – said Chesney

The new reef has been named No Shoes Reefs 4 and refers to the four founding partners. Construction began with the placement of 13 reef balls about half a mile offshore. All work was carried out by Global SubDive. The structures, which weigh around half a tonne and measure two metres high each, allow coral to grow and will also create shelter and attract other local fauna.

Creating the reef itself is not all. The organization puts education first, which is why students from Palm Beach County will be involved in the project. Through the Sandoway Discovery Center, they will be able to participate in monitoring the nascent reefs.

There is also no denying that the other winners in the creation of each new artificial reef are… divers. A mass of new habitats full of underwater life is something that every diving enthusiast likes to have in front of their eyes, and this is exactly what is to be expected over the next few years.

Photo: No Shoes Reefs/Reef Ball Foundation