Walter Marine/“Reefmaker” deployed its first reef in 1986 and today is the largest artificial reef builder in America. Reefmaker has deployed over 25,000+ reefs and owns four (4) patents. Research has proven our reef units outperform all others in natural substrate, complexity/rugosity, durability, size, production of fish, estuary substitute and wave attenuation.
Over the years artificial reefs have evolved from dumping unwanted junk into the water to custom designed reef systems mimicking natural reefs in substrate, size, appearance and durability. Today's reef systems are designed for specific tasks, such as specific species habitat, wave attenuation, oyster restoration, estuary enhancement, coral reef repair, recreational diving, fishing reefs, fishery management, barriers to protect endangered habitat, snorkeling reefs and as integral parts of pier construction.
The largest challenge to providing a substitute for natural reefs is the substrate. Man is not able to duplicate nature’s perfect surface for reef flora and fauna to live on. No concrete reef can ever mimic a natural reef in biotic structure.
The solution is to use natural material. The reefs shown on the right have evolved from years of research and development. While all our reefs have alternate substrate, the best artificial reef material is natural soft rock. Here on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts, Florida Limestone rock, comprised of ancient clam shells, is the perfect substrate for marine life.
Our patented process of attaching soft rock to the concrete structure assures durability while increasing the surface area of the concrete structure, therefore attracting and providing habitat for all marine life associated with the natural reefs in the area, including boring animals, never before seen on a manufactured artificial reef.
Our latest research has focused on an environmentally friendly replacement for bulkheads. In use in Annapolis, Maryland and Deadman’s Island historic site in Gulf Breeze, Florida as a wave attenuator and oyster restoration tool.
Our reef is the only artificial reef approved for use as a snorkeling reef in USA because it is able to withstand surf and storm events. Visit our EcoSystems website http://www.reefmaker-ecosystems.com/ for more information.
