Innovative Reef Project Transforms South Beach Coastline

Miami Beach, US (November 3, AP) - In a novel initiative, South Florida's coastline experiences an influx of new cars. These vehicles, crafted from marine-grade concrete, will not contribute to road traffic but are instead submerged underwater to foster marine life. Over a span of several days late last month, teams positioned 22 life-sized vehicles off South Beach's coast. This endeavor was organized by the non-profit REEFLINE, known for its innovative underwater sculpture parks designed to create human-made coral reefs.

The "Concrete Coral" project, commissioned by REEFLINE, will soon feature 2,200 native corals cultivated in a Miami laboratory. Funded partly by a USD 5 million bond from the Miami Beach city, the group aspires to raise an additional USD 40 million to expand this potentially 11-phase project along the city’s 11-kilometer underwater corridor.

Ximena Caminos, REEFLINE's founder, expressed excitement about making history with a groundbreaking underwater reef that integrates science and art. The visionary plan was crafted together with architect Shohei Shigematsu, and artist Leandro Erlich was responsible for designing the car sculptures for this inaugural phase.

Colin Foord, head of REEFLINE's Miami coral lab, articulated plans to soon introduce a variety of soft corals over the sculptures, creating a thriving habitat for marine life. "The concept of an underwater traffic jam complements the project's artistic vision," said Foord. "With time, nature will reclaim its space, and we aim to assist by cultivating soft corals."

Foord affirmed his belief that native gorgonian corals will flourish, having been sourced from resilient survivors of the 2023 bleaching event, where a marine heatwave devastated many corals around Florida.

Upcoming installations include Petroc Sesti's “Heart of Okeanos”, inspired by a giant blue whale's heart, and “The Miami Reef Star” by Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre, featuring starfish designs assembled into a larger star formation. "These efforts will expedite the development of a complex coral reef ecosystem," Foord explained. "The aim is to bolster biodiversity and innovate artificial reef-building techniques in Florida."

Beyond environmental benefits, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner anticipates economic opportunities through creating local jobs in ecotourism initiatives such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding tours. The reefs are situated roughly 20 feet below the water's surface and about 800 feet away from the shore.

"Miami Beach continues to set a global precedent for innovation in various spheres, now including REEFLINE," Mayor Meiner remarked at a recent beachside event. "I'm delighted to collaborate with the private sector to ensure this project remains a template for other cities." The nonprofit also runs community education programs, allowing volunteers to plant corals under scientific guidance, and operates a floating marine learning center, offering monthly sessions on coral conservation.

Ximena Caminos acknowledges that the project is not a comprehensive solution to all of the coastal challenges, such as climate change and sea level rise. However, she believes it offers a starting point for conversations on the significance of coastal ecosystems. "This initiative demonstrates how creatively and collaboratively we can address human-induced issues using innovative solutions," Caminos asserted. (AP)

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