PATENTED
Nature-Based Solution
Living Shoreline | Oyster Restoration | Mangrove Restoration | Wave Attenuation | Breakwater | Coastal Protection | Barrier Reef
Before
After
As featured in
Who We Serve
Reef Arches is a South Florida founded company pioneering nature-based engineered structures designed to rebuild shorelines and provide critical habitat for wildlife.
Our unique honeycomb arch-shaped design revolutionizes coastal restoration by effectively recruiting sediment and attenuating wave energy. With sustainability at the forefront, our design offers an impressive 100 square feet of surface area, minimal ground footprint, and the ability to be stacked, ensuring a robust and eco-friendly approach to coastal engineering.
Customized coastal protection solutions for municipalities, developers, and homeowners.
Successful Projects
Real-world installations across Florida demonstrating proven results in coastal protection, habitat restoration, and infrastructure preservation.
Max Brewer Causaway
Large-scale coastal protection installation demonstrating Reef Arches effectiveness in high-traffic coastal infrastructure zones with significant wave action and erosion challenges.
Water Reclamation Facility
Critical infrastructure protection project utilizing Reef Arches to safeguard essential municipal facilities from coastal erosion and storm surge impacts.
Ted Moorehead Lagoon House
Successful 150-foot breakwater installation with documented sediment accretion up to 16 inches, enabling mangrove planting and creating a thriving living shoreline ecosystem.
Project Partner: Marine Resource Council
Ted Moorehead Lagoon House Transformation
Palm Bay, Florida - A documented timeline of coastal restoration success
Before
Eroding shoreline with active degradation
45 Days
Initial sediment recruitment begins
100 Days
Significant sediment accretion visible
Present
Thriving living shoreline with mangroves
Project Story
Marine Resources Council at the TED Moorehead Lagoon House called us for 150 feet of breakwater placement in front of their shell midden, an archaeological site. This project was on a very tight schedule as their permit was set to expire & their previous vendor had failed to deliver – therefore we had 60 days. 60 days to have new permits, manufacture, deliver, and install.
During the project, we produced 37 of our 1200# units and were installed in 3 sections and placed 10' from shore. The structures were all placed via a barge-free, manually deployment system dubbed the "Low Profile Deployment System".
This system allowed us to deploy our sections with 6 men across 4 days. We were thankful for this project was eligible for a DEP permit exemption and received an USACE permit quickly. The breakwater project was successful with our March 2024 deployment.
Academic Publications & Grants
Our technology is validated by leading research institutions and funded by competitive state and federal grants, demonstrating proven effectiveness in coastal protection and habitat restoration.
Research & Publications
University of Florida
Reef Arches was featured in this published textbook presented as one of the standards for precast solutions among living shoreline restoration methods. Click below to purchase the textbook.
Florida Institute of Technology
Over 1.5 years of research conducted on Reef Arches used for shoreline restoration showing the successful biological impacts Reef Arches has on coastal restoration. Biological indicators like benthic infauna show fingerprints of habitat enhancement. Research was published as a Master's Thesis - full research linked below.
University of Maryland
Conducted research on ecosystem restoration potential and biodiversity enhancement through nature-based infrastructure solutions.
Florida Atlantic University
Validated material safety for coral growth and documented successful marine organism recruitment on Reef Arch structures.
State & Federal Grants
Resilient Florida Grant Program
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
State funding supporting innovative coastal resilience and nature-based infrastructure solutions that protect Florida's communities and natural resources from climate impacts and coastal erosion.
SBIR Phase I Grant - America's Seed Fund
National Science Foundation
Federal research and development funding recognizing Reef Arches as a groundbreaking innovation in coastal protection technology with significant commercial and environmental potential.
Letters of Support
Our Products
Engineered solutions for every coastal protection and restoration need.
50 Pound Unit
2’3L | 1’6W | 11”H
Purposefully engineered for low-profile oyster habitats in shallow water environments.
Designed with both functionality and community engagement in mind, this unit's compact size makes it ideal for delicate ecosystems while being lightweight enough for volunteers to easily carry and install. By enabling hands-on participation, this design fosters greater community involvement in restoring and protecting our coastal ecosystems.
$300
1,200 Pound Unit
6’L | 4’W | 2.5’H
Specifically crafted for nearshore environments, focusing on protecting coastlines from severe erosion and creating vital habitats.
In addition to its nearshore capabilities, this versatile unit can also be deployed offshore to create artificial reefs, further enhancing marine ecosystems. Purposefully designed with over 100 square feet of surface area and a free-flow structure, this unit is an ideal environment for the growth of marine organisms.
$2500
Custom Weight
Up to 7200 Pounds
Large-scale units ideal for open ocean settings and specialized coastal protection applications.
We can create units as large as 7200lbs, ideal for open ocean settings. Perfect for projects requiring enhanced wave attenuation or deeper water deployment. Please note that our custom program requires a minimum order of 100 units, with a 50% production deposit required upfront.
Custom Quote
Reef Arch Seawall Tiles
Reef Arch tiles can be used to replace riprap, are removable, and can be installed rapidly.
Small Tile
Dimensions: 12" × 12" × 3"
Medium Tile
Dimensions: 24" × 24" × 4"
Large Tile
Dimensions: 48" × 48" × 6"
Installation by APH Marine Construction
Dual-Use: Coastal Protection & Habitat Restoration
Habitat Restoration
Leading the way in coral reef restoration at scale - creating the world's first instant barrier reef through innovative nature-based engineering.
Organization Partners
DeeDee Vaughn
CoFounder
Plant A Million Corals
Colin Foord
Founder & Marine Biologist
Coralmorphologic
Dr. Phanor Montoya-Maya
Coral Restoration Scientist
Coral Restoration Foundation
Jake Rosner
VP of Aquarium Operations & Reef Restoration Manager
COX Marine Science Center
Restoring Florida's Coral Reefs
Our Reef Arch materials are specifically engineered to be safe for marine life - including corals, oysters, and sponges. We've placed habitat restoration at the core of our design philosophy, creating structures that don't just protect coastlines but actively support thriving marine ecosystems.
Reef Arch Seawall Tiles: Transforming Seawalls into Living Reefs. Our innovative Reef Arch Seawall tiles can be applied directly to existing seawalls, converting barren concrete barriers into vibrant, healthy reef habitats. This dual-purpose solution provides both coastal protection and ecological restoration, turning vertical structures into productive marine environments.
With Reef Arches, we are at the forefront of reef restoration at scale. Our "Adopt A Coral" program allows coral inserts to be placed directly into Reef Arches, creating the world's first instant barrier reef - combining coastal protection with active coral restoration while supporting the recovery of Florida's precious marine ecosystems.
For Engineers & Contractors
Technical specifications, installation procedures, and permitting information for professional implementation
Installation & Deployment
Permitting & Regulatory
DEP Permit Exemptions
Reef Arches qualifies for permit exemptions, significantly reducing timeline and regulatory burden.
USACE Permit Process
Streamlined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting with established precedent. Quick approval timelines for qualified coastal protection and restoration projects
Distributor
Distributed by Ferguson
Ferguson Waterworks is a trusted leader in infrastructure solutions, serving municipalities, contractors, and engineers nationwide. Their specialized waterworks division focuses on innovative shoreline restoration and coastal resilience products. Through this partnership, Reef Arches is available to communities committed to protecting and restoring their coastlines with nature-based solutions.