- DISCOVERY Vessel Surface Interval
ORAI Artificial Reef Monitoring
- February 22, 2026
- Hollywood, Florida
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 Hollywood, Florida. 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 biological and structural development of ORAI’s 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 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 February 22, 2026, SeaKeepers supported a team of researchers from Ocean Rescue Alliance International in conducting a monitoring survey of four nearshore artificial reef sites aboard DISCOVERY Vessel Surface Interval.
During the expedition, researchers completed fish community assessments at each site using stationary point count surveys. Four divers recorded fish species presence, abundance, and size estimates to support comparative analysis across the reef modules.
Following the dive surveys, a team member snorkeled to each individual reef module to record precise GPS coordinates using a handheld device, ensuring accurate site documentation for future monitoring efforts, while divers collected data and images of benthic life on the modules.
Location
Hollywood, Florida
Duration of Project
ORAI initiated the Guardians of the Reef project in late 2022. These sites were installed May 22-24, 2025 and since then monitoring operations have been ongoing.
Leadership
Research Team
- Emily Timberman
- Sarah Cotter
- Rachel Holic
- Valentina Jeng
- William Bury
Partner Sites
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