ORAI Artificial Coral Lok Deployment and Benthic Survey
SeaKeepers' Vessel DISCOVERY II
Ft.Lauderdale, Florida
June 21, 2025
Project 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 the installation of Coral Lok units on the artificial structures was intended to enhance coral attachment, increase survivorship, and promote faster development of living reef communities. By providing a stable foundation for coral outplants, Coral Loks help accelerate habitat formation and improve the long-term ecological function of artificial reefs. The findings from this study 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 21, 2025 SeaKeepers supported a team of researchers from Ocean Rescue Alliance International in conducting post-deployment monitoring of four artificial reef sites and two nearby natural reef sites aboard SeaKeepers' vessel, DISCOVERY II. The artificial reef modules had been recently deployed and were enhanced with Coral Lok units—an innovative stabilization system designed to improve coral outplant success, resist dislodgement from wave energy, and promote long-term reef resilience. These units allow coral fragments to be securely anchored to the substrate, accelerating the development of living reef structure and supporting ecological function. During the outing, researchers conducted fish community assessments at each artificial site using stationary point surveys, where two divers recorded fish species, counts, and size estimates for comparative analysis. Rebar was installed at each site to establish permanent 10-meter transects for ongoing benthic monitoring.
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
- Isabelle Dubois
- Captain Aubri Keith
