ORAI Artificial Reef Deployment

DISCOVERY Vessel Surface Interval and SeaKeepers' Vessels DISCOVERY II & III
Hollywood, Florida
May 22 - 24, 2025

Program Overview

Ocean Rescue Alliance International’s Guardians of the Reef is a pioneering underwater sculpture trail and reef restoration initiative located off the coast of Hollywood Beach, Florida. Developed in partnership with the City of Hollywood, the project integrates art, science, and community outreach to restore marine habitat, promote eco-tourism, and inspire ocean stewardship. The installation includes 50 reef structures across four underwater sites, featuring 12 custom sculptures, such as mermaids, sea creatures, and selfie stations, and 38 coral nursery habitat modules designed to support biodiversity and coral growth. By blending ecological function with creative design, Guardians of the Reef serves as both a conservation tool and an educational experience that invites the public to engage with and protect the ocean.

Application

The Guardians of the Reef reef trail will provide long-term ecological and educational benefits to the South Florida region. The 38 habitat modules will support coral growth and fish populations, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to reef resilience in an area vulnerable to climate stress. The 12 sculptural elements will serve as focal points for guided dives, tourism, and educational programming, transforming the installation into a living classroom that encourages continued public engagement. In addition to improving marine habitat, the site is intended to promote sustainable tourism and economic development while offering researchers an accessible platform for monitoring coral restoration, species colonization, and the effectiveness of hybrid reef structures. This integration of science and art will help foster a deeper connection between communities and the ocean, supporting conservation outcomes for years to come.

Expedition Summary

From May 22 to 24, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society provided vessel support for the deployment of the Guardians of the Reef project led by Ocean Rescue Alliance International. The operation was conducted off the coast of Hollywood Beach, where SeaKeepers utilized its vessels DISCOVERY II, DISCOVERY III, and DISCOVERY Vessel Surface Interval to assist with the multi-day deployment.

From these support vessels, researchers deployed boundary buoys to mark the reef installation zones, providing critical guidance for the barge and crane teams responsible for lowering the reef modules into place. The team also transported ORAI researchers to the sites, allowing them to supervise operations in real time and ensure accurate positioning of the reef structures, which included both coral habitat units and artistic sculptures.

In support of public outreach, SeaKeepers provided vessel support for media crews from CNN, PBS, and Local Channel 10. These teams documented the process, captured interviews with project leaders, and produced coverage to raise public awareness about the reef trail and encourage future engagement with the site. The expedition demonstrated the power of partnership in advancing restoration goals while connecting science, community, and media to promote long-term marine conservation.