ORAI Artificial Reef Monitoring and Benthic Survey
SeaKeepers' Vessel DISCOVERY II
Hollywood, Florida
June 7, 2025
Program Overview
Artificial reefs are increasingly deployed as tools to enhance marine biodiversity, restore degraded habitats, and relieve pressure on natural reef systems. To understand their ecological value and effectiveness, regular monitoring is essential, particularly in the early stages after deployment when colonization begins. This research initiative focuses on evaluating the biological and structural development of newly installed artificial reef modules off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. By comparing these artificial sites to nearby natural reefs, researchers aim to assess how well these structures replicate natural habitat functions and support marine life. This ongoing monitoring contributes to regional reef restoration goals and provides data to inform best practices for future artificial reef design and implementation.
Application
This study aims to assess the early-stage biological and structural development of newly deployed artificial reefs and compare them with natural reef systems to evaluate ecological performance. The fish survey data will help track species richness, abundance, and behavior over time, while SfM imagery and benthic surveys provide insight into habitat structure and benthic community development. The findings will inform future artificial reef deployment strategies and contribute to broader regional goals in reef restoration and habitat enhancement in South Florida waters.
Expedition Summary
On June 7, 2025, SeaKeepers supported a team of researchers from Ocean Rescue Alliance International in conducting the first post-deployment monitoring of four artificial reef sites and two nearby natural reef sites aboard SeaKeepers' Vessel DISCOVERY II. The artificial modules had been deployed just two weeks earlier, from May 22–24, 2025. During the outing, researchers completed fish community assessments at each of the artificial sites using stationary point surveys, where two divers recorded fish species, counts, and size estimates for comparative analysis. A third diver conducted Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry imaging across all four modules to document reef structure, while a fourth diver supported video documentation. The team also surveyed two nearby natural reefs, carrying out a combination of fish surveys, benthic quadrat photography, rugosity measurements, and tallies of octocorals and sponges along 10-meter transects. The successful completion of all six site surveys marked the beginning of long-term monitoring for these new reef installations.
Location
ORAI Hollywood Beach Artificial Reef Sites 1, 2, 3 & 4
Duration of Project
ORAI initiated the Guardians of the Reef project in late 2022 and these sites were installed May 22-24, 2025.
Leadership
Research Team
- Michelle Baptist
- Sarah Walls
- Sarah Cotter
- Rachel Holic
- Maddy Quirke-Shattuck
- Captain Aubri Keith
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