Artificial Reef Photo & Video Gallery

ReefMaker Offshore Crane Vessel

Marine construction vessel operating a crane in calm water.

Maranatha II at Sea

Reefmaker’s 165-foot deployment vessel, Maranatha II, operates in the Gulf of Mexico beneath a vivid sunset. Equipped with a heavy-duty marine crane and dynamic-positioning technology, the vessel transports and precisely deploys artificial reef structures throughout the northern Gulf Coast. Operated by Walter Marine, Maranatha II supports Reefmaker’s work creating durable marine habitat for fish and other ocean life.

Duration: 3

ReefMaker Established Artificial Reef Habitat

Marine-growth-covered artificial reef structure surrounded by fish.

ReefMaker Sea Turtle Artificial Reef

Sea turtle swimming in front of an upright reef structure.

ReefMaker Reef Deployment Aerial

Aerial view of a work vessel and crane rigging over turquoise water.

Crane barge silhouetted on a waterway at sunset

Crane barge silhouetted on a waterway at sunset.

ReefMaker Established Artificial Reef With Fish

Marine-growth-covered reef habitat rising through blue water with fish nearby.

Orange vessel traveling to the designation for large vessel development project

Orange work vessel traveling across open water.

Orange vessel becoming a large vessel development

Orange offshore work vessel underway.

Marine construction vessel passing beneath a bridge

Marine construction vessel passing beneath a bridge.

Orange vessel in process of sinking

Tug boat hauling the orange vessel for the large vessel project.

ReefMaker Artificial Reef Deployment Aerial

Aerial view of a reef structure suspended in turquoise water near a pier.

Round reef habitat units arranged on the deck of a work vessel

Round reef habitat units arranged on the deck of a work vessel.

ReefMaker Reef Fabrication Yard

Rows of pyramid and stacked-disc reef modules at a fabrication yard.

ReefMaker Offshore Crane Vessel

Marine construction vessel operating a crane offshore.

ReefMaker Reef Modules Sunset

Rows of reef modules silhouetted at sunset in a staging yard.

Circular reef module visible beneath clear water beside a vessel

Circular reef module visible beneath clear water beside a vessel.

ReefMaker Diver Artificial Reef

Diver descending toward a round reef habitat underwater.

Work vessel silhouetted against a bright sunset over the sea

Work vessel silhouetted against a bright sunset over the sea.

ReefMaker Sea Turtle Reef Habitat

Sea turtle resting beside a marine-growth-covered reef habitat.

ReefMaker Offshore Crane Vessel

Marine construction vessel operating a crane offshore.

View from a work vessel toward crane rigging over clear water

View from a work vessel toward crane rigging over clear water.

ReefMaker Fish Artificial Reef Habitat

Large fish swimming through a mature underwater reef structure.

ReefMaker Reef Modules Offshore Transport

Crane vessel transporting concrete reef modules offshore.

ReefMaker Offshore Crane Vessel Sunset

Marine construction vessel operating a crane at sea near sunset.

Silhouetted offshore reef structures and crane barges at sunset

Silhouetted offshore reef structures and crane barges at sunset.

Crew members looking into clear water from a work vessel

Crew members looking into clear water from a work vessel.

ReefMaker Artificial Reef Deployment Sunset

Crane barge lowering a reef structure into the sea at sunset.

Crane and work vessels positioned offshore during reef deployment

Crane and work vessels positioned offshore during reef deployment.

ReefMaker Artificial Reef Crane Deployment

A small reef structure suspended over water from a vessel crane.

ReefMaker Ship Offloading

Reefmaker Ship Offloading

Walter Marine Artificial Reef Deployment Dog Island Florida

Walter Marine crew deploying artificial reef modules off Dog Island, Florida

Walter Marine Escambia County Artificial Reef Deployment

Walter Marine deploying artificial reef modules off Pensacola, Florida

Ecosystems Pedestal Artificial Reef Underwater

Ecosystems Pedestal artificial reef structure surrounded by marine fish underwater

Ecosystems Pedestal Reef Modules Before Deployment

Ecosystems Pedestal artificial reef modules prepared for marine deployment

Estuary Oyster Reef

Oyster-covered reef structure in shallow green water.

Estuary

Shell-covered estuary reef modules arranged beside the water.

ReefMaker Snorkel Reef Sea Turtle

Sea turtle beside a mature stacked-disc artificial reef habitat.

ReefMaker Snorkel Reef Sea Turtle

Sea turtle resting beside a disc-shaped artificial reef habitat underwater.

ReefMaker Established Snorkel Reef

Marine-growth-covered stacked-disc artificial reef habitat underwater.

Walter Marine Super Reef Deployment Bay County Florida

Walter Marine Super Reef module prepared for deployment off Bay County, Florida

Snorkeling Reef Deployment — Lift

A stacked snorkeling reef habitat is lifted from the vessel above clear green water.

Snorkeling Reef Deployment — Splashdown

The snorkeling reef enters the water as the deployment rigging releases it.

Snorkeling Reef Deployment — Release

The deployment rigging clears the water after the snorkeling reef is released.

Snorkeling Reef Deployment — Below the Surface

Newly deployed snorkeling reef habitats are visible beneath the green water.

Completed Snorkeling Reef — Diver

A diver inspects the completed stacked snorkeling reef habitat underwater.

Completed Snorkeling Reef — Sea Turtle

A sea turtle swims beside the completed snorkeling reef habitat.

Completed Snorkeling Reef — Snorkeler

A snorkeler swims above the completed reef habitat surrounded by fish.

Dolphin Snorkeling Reef

Pod of dolphins swimming below the ocean surface.

Florida Limestone Reef

ReefMaker Limestone Artificial Reef Underwater

Fish swimming around a mature limestone-covered artificial reef underwater.

ReefMaker LImestone Reef Deployment

Stacked concrete reef modules lifted beside a marine construction vessel.

Florida Limestone Reef Deployment

Florida Limestone Reef module entering rough water beside a crane barge.

Grouper Reef

A custom grouper reef structure deployed near Destin-Fort Walton to support marine habitat, provide shelter for reef fish, and encourage long-term marine growth. This artificial reef design helps create durable underwater habitat for grouper and other Gulf species.

Grouper Reef Artificial Habitat Underwater

Submerged Grouper Reef structure with stacked habitat discs resting on the seafloor

Grouper Reef Artificial Habitat Underwater

Grouper Reef artificial habitat structure resting on the seafloor

Grouper Reef Structure With Marine Life

Fish swimming around a submerged Grouper Reef structure with stacked habitat discs

The Sinking of the LuLu Artificial Reef

Watch the intentional sinking of The LuLu, a 271-foot retired coastal freighter deployed by Walter Marine on May 26, 2013. The vessel now rests in approximately 110 feet of water, about 17 nautical miles south of Perdido Pass, and serves as an artificial reef, recreational diving destination, and habitat for marine life.

Duration: 5:17

Reefmaker Sinking The LuLu

On May 26, 2013, Walter Marine and Reefmaker intentionally sank The LuLu, a 271-foot retired coastal freighter, in approximately 112 feet of water off Orange Beach, Alabama. Formerly known as the M.V. Yokamu, the vessel was environmentally prepared and modified to provide accessible spaces for divers and complex habitat for marine life. The LuLu settled upright on the Gulf floor, with its upper structure beginning at approximately 60 feet. Developed with the Alabama Gulf Coast Reef & Restoration Foundation and regional partners, the project established Alabama’s first whole-ship artificial reef created specifically for recreational diving.

ReefMaker Vessel Artificial Reef Sinking

Vessel listing heavily in open water during a controlled sinking.

Sinking Lulu With Tug Boat

Large vessel listing in the water with a tugboat alongside.

Lulu Vessel With Tugboat Aerial

Aerial view of a large vessel with a tugboat alongside.

Lulu Artificial Reef Taking On Water

LuLu vessel taking on water as a tugboat remains nearby

Lulu Artificial Reef Vessel Positioning

LuLu vessel surrounded by support boats before the sinking operation

Lulu Artificial Reef Tugboat Alongside

Tugboat positioned alongside the LuLu vessel during offshore preparations

Lulu Shipwreck

Large vessel afloat with a tugboat alongside before a controlled sinking.

Lulu Artificial Reef Sinking Operation

Aerial view of a tugboat assisting the LuLu during the sinking operation

Lulu Artificial Reef Vessel Submerging

LuLu vessel disappearing beneath the water beside a support tugboat

Lulu Onboard Before Sinking

View along the open deck of a vessel in a waterway.

Lulu Artificial Reef Vessel Before Sinking

LuLu vessel floating offshore before its controlled sinking

Lulu Before Sinking

Large vessel displayed on land before its artificial reef sinking.

Sinking Lulu

Aerial view of a large vessel surrounded by boats during a controlled sinking.

Lulu Artificial Reef Fully Submerged

Boats gathered above the site after the LuLu vessel became fully submerged

Lulu Artificial Reef Final Sinking Stage

LuLu vessel partially submerged during the final stage of its sinking

Marine Matrix Artificial Reef Module Fabrication Yard

Concrete Marine Matrix artificial reef module positioned near the waterfront

Marine Matrix Concrete Reef Module Side View

Side view of a concrete Marine Matrix reef module showing openings on multiple faces

Stacked Marine Matrix Artificial Reef Modules

Two stacked Marine Matrix artificial reef modules suspended from lifting straps

Marine Matrix Artificial Reef Module Waterfront

Single concrete Marine Matrix artificial reef module with multiple habitat openings

Memorial Reef - Video

A memorial artificial reef is fabricated with reinforced frames and concrete before marine deployment.

Duration: 3:00

Memorial Limestone Reef Module

A three-opening Florida Limestone reef module bearing an in-memory-of memorial plaque.

Memorial Reef

Underwater memorial plaque mounted on a rock-embedded concrete artificial reef structure

Super Reef Deployment

A large pyramid-shaped Super Reef module is lifted by crane and lowered from a deployment vessel into the water.

Duration: 3:20

ReefMaker Super Reef Barge Staging

Pyramid reef modules staged on a marine construction barge.

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment Sunset

Pyramid reef module suspended from a vessel crane at sunset.

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Crane barge lifting a pyramid reef module offshore.

ReefMaker Super Reef Offshore Transport

Crane vessel transporting pyramid reef modules offshore.

Super Reef Modules Loaded For Marine Deployment

Multiple Super Reef modules loaded aboard a vessel for marine deployment

ReefMaker Super Reef Modules Sunset

Rows of pyramid-shaped concrete reef modules at sunset.

Super Reef Module Crane Handling Onshore

Large Super Reef module positioned beside a mobile crane during onshore handling

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Two pyramid-shaped concrete reef modules suspended from a crane over open water.

Super Reef Modules Staged For Deployment

Multiple pyramid-shaped Super Reef modules staged together before deployment

Super Reef Modules Staged Near Crane

Rows of Super Reef modules staged near marine lifting equipment before deployment

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

A pyramid-shaped concrete reef module being lowered into the sea.

Super Reef Embedded Concrete Module

Low-angle view of a Super Reef module with limestone embedded in its concrete surfaces

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Pyramid-shaped concrete reef module suspended beside a work vessel.

ReefMaker Super Reef Barge Staging

Concrete reef modules stacked on a barge beneath a crane boom.

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Crane lifting a reef module from a marine construction barge.

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Pyramid-shaped reef module suspended alongside a work vessel.

ReefMaker Super Reef Deployment

Crane lowering a pyramid reef module from a barge.

Super Reef Crane Deployment From Vessel

Crane deploying a large Super Reef module from a marine construction vessel

Super Reef Module Suspended Over Water

Pyramid-shaped Super Reef module suspended by crane cables above the water

Super Reef Module Lowered Into Water

Super Reef artificial reef module being lowered into the water beside a deployment vessel

Underwater of Museum - SWARA Skull Deployment

Large crane on a marine construction barge working offshore.

Underwater Museum of Art - Custom Reef Deployment

ReefMaker transports artist-crafted sculptures for the 2024 expansion of the Underwater Museum of Art near Grayton Beach State Park. The seven sculptures were carefully carried offshore and deployed approximately 58 feet below the surface, where they become functional artificial reefs. Each installation combines public art with marine conservation by creating new surfaces, shelter, and habitat for fish and other marine life.

Underwater Museum of Art - Let’s Not Blow This

Gulf of Mexico off Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Underwater Museum of Art - Hope

Hope by Jonathan Burger is an eight-foot-tall underwater mask sculpture looking upward toward sunlight. Inspired by fragmented Greek and Roman sculptures, the artwork addresses climate change, rising sea levels, and hope that collective action can protect the planet. The sculpture also develops into a living artificial reef for fish and other marine life.

Underwater Museum of Art - Hope

Hope reef structure suspended behind a vessel over open water.

Underwater Museum of Art - Hope

Sculpted head installed upright on the seafloor.

Dawn Dancers suspended above open water

Decorative reef sculpture suspended above open water.

El Plastico reef structure suspended over open water

Rounded sculptural reef structure suspended over open water.

Underwater Museum of Art - Neptunian Oak

Neptunian Oak custom reef sculpture displayed on land.

Underwater Museum of Art - Sunken Spores

Abstract sculpture installed on a square base underwater.

Underwater Museum of Art - Various of Artist Crafted

Multiple of Underwater Museum of Art's scriptures. Let's Not Blow This & Hope

Underwater Museum of Art - Pirate Shipwreck

Pirate Shipwreck sculpture installed on the seafloor. Underwater Museum of Art - Sean Coffey

Seahorse Above Water - Dawn Dancers

Seahorse-shaped metal sculpture suspended above a vessel deck. Dawn Dancers by Shohini Ghosh from Underwater Museum of Art

Underwater Museum of Art - Arc of Nexus

Arch of Nexus

Underwater Museum of Art - Dawn Dancers

Seahorse-shaped sculpture installed on the seafloor with small fish nearby. Undewater Museum of Art - Dawn Dancers

Underwater Museum of Art - SWARA Skull

SWARA Skull sculpture suspended above a work barge.

Underwater Museum of Art - Multiple Custom Reefs At The Yard

Multiple custom reef sculptures arranged at an outdoor staging yard. Left to right - Love Thyself, Wave, Let's Not Blow This, Saguaro, and To Replenish with Water.

Underwater Museum of Art - Seahorse

Seahourse reef sculpture displayed outdoors before deployment

Underwater Museum of Art - Various of Craft Artisted

Concrete reef modules and fabrication equipment in an outdoor work yard.

Underwater Museum of Art - Depth of Decision

Depth of Decision suspended above the water.

Underwater Museum of Art - Various of Craft Artisted on Reefmaker's Ship.

Marine construction vessel with a large crane working offshore.

Underwater Museum of Art - Eco-Bug

Small artificial reef structure suspended over the sea behind a vessel.

Underwater Museum of Art - Three Wishes

Small reef structure suspended over water behind a vessel.

Custom Cave Reef Design

Custom cave reef design displayed on land before artificial reef deployment

Custom Column Reef Structures

Custom column-style reef structures displayed on land before deployment

3D Printed Coastal Protection

Submerged 3D-printed coastal protection structure providing complex marine habitat

3D-Printed Coastal Protection Reef Deployment

ReefMaker deploys specially designed 3D-printed reef modules as part of a coastal protection and marine habitat project. The structures combine complex openings, textured surfaces and durable marine-grade materials to help reduce wave energy while providing shelter and attachment surfaces for fish, oysters and other marine organisms. This approach demonstrates how advanced manufacturing can support shoreline resilience and create productive underwater habitat.

3D Printed Coastal Protection

Rows of hollow concrete coastal protection modules beneath a crane.

3D Printed Coastal Protection

Three cylindrical concrete reef modules suspended above the water.

ReefMaker Fish Aggregating Device Underwater

Fish aggregating device viewed from below in open blue water.

ReefMaker Fish Aggregating Device Underwater

ReefMaker fish aggregating device deployed underwater in the open ocean

ReefMaker Fad Buoy Underwater

ReefMaker fish aggregating device buoy viewed underwater near the ocean surface

ReefMaker Fish Aggregating Device Buoy

ReefMaker fish aggregating device buoy positioned above the water

EcoSystems Wave Attenuation

An interview and project footage explain how EcoSystems structures reduce wave energy while supporting marine habitat.

Duration: 2:30

EcoSystems Wave Attenuation System at Sunset

EcoSystems Wave Attenuation System installed as a permeable marine barrier designed to reduce wave energy, limit shoreline erosion, preserve tidal flow, and support coastal habitat.

Wave Attenuator

Long rows of modular wave attenuation structures installed in calm water.

Wave Attenuator ReefMaker

Aerial view of a segmented wave attenuation installation beside a wooded shoreline.

Shoreline Protection

Modular wave attenuation structures installed offshore from a vegetated shoreline