PATENTED
Nature-Based Solution
Living Shoreline | Oyster Restoration | Mangrove Restoration | Wave Attenuation | Breakwater | Coastal Protection | Barrier Reef
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. Thus, Reef Arches is a vital solution for resilient coastal protection in both inshore and offshore environments.
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.
View Our Case Studies
Project: Breaker + Living Shoreline
Location: Palm Bay, Florida
Project Partner: Marine Resource Council
Before
45 Days
100 Days
Present
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. Continual post-deployment monitoring is conducted by Marine Resources Council for the sediment accretion, benthic infauna, seagrasses, and oyster observations. Sediment accretion has reach as high as 16” thick in some area and expanding property. No scouring has taken place at the project area. Therefore! Mangroves have been planted behind the Reef Arches turning into a living shoreline. This project was a tremendous success as proof of our effectiveness in hurricane recovery and incredible shoreline restoration.
Location Fort Pierce, FL – Project Partner: Sponge Recruitment Images
At this location, we were able to place a Reef Arches in the respective location to test what species who attract to the structure and how the water would flow through it. As you can see in the pictures, the material used was successful in recruiting marine life in approx. 4 months. Stone crabs was observed using the structure as a shelter during the test. IN terms of species, we identified several sponges above and underneath the Reef Arch which indicated that proper flow and light was present throughout the test. This is a major component in a forming complex reef ecosystems. This test gave us confidence that Reef Arch design provides critical structure for key species & provides additional environmental value as an engineered product. Stone crab habitat is important as “Florida Stone Crab Fishery makes up 99% of all stone crab landings in the United States” as per FWC.
Coral Restoration
Location: West Palm Beach
Project Partner: COX Science Center
Fortunately, COX Science Center has confirmed that our material are safe for growing stony coral & leather. This is a huge step forward. You can see in the tanks that there are no harmful chemicals hurting the corals and that our inserts can be used for coral out-planting. Similar to "Adopt A Brick" in college, you can "Adopt A Coral" and place our coral inserts directly into the Reef Arch. This means that Reef Arches can become the world's first instant barrier reef. We want to thanks COX Science Center for their time in taking strides alongside us in restoring Florida's coral reefs.
For background, coral restoration and coral bleaching is paramount to the restoration of our ecosystem. Not only do reefs provide habitats but they also drive ecotourism, support fisheries, and even protect your shoreline.
You've heard of the term "a barrier reef", but what is the barrier for? That is for wave energy, this is why small islands are able to survive from constant wave action on the shores. These barrier reefs used to be covered with gorgeous coral that also reduce wave energy significantly, but with coral bleaching and lack of structure it is difficult for our reef systems to bounce back. With Reef Arches, we are at the forefront of reef restoration at scale.
Marine Growth
Location: Fort Pierce + Palm Bay
Project Partner: Private
These pictures illustrate the answer to a question, " Is there enough water flow, light, and structure for species to thrive; if so, what are these species and what does it indicate". First off, we observed a stone crab that tucked itself underneath the unit as shelter. That was great to see stone crabs selecting our place as refuge, but they almost took our thumb!
The sponges and various species here were exciting to see. One, that the material was safe for these species to adhere too. Second, that there was ample surface area for a mosaic of species to call home. Lastly, this was evidence of continuous flow of water able to move nutrients throughout the unit. This is very exciting because it's how you build an ecosystem!
You can also observe the awesome amount of oysters that called Reef Arches home directly on the unit! This was natural spat recruitment after 4 months post-deployment. We were really happy to see the recruitment and eventual water quality impacts it will have at the project site. Did you know that oysters can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day!?
Who We Serve
Government
We work alongside municipalities for a variety of applications including breakwaters, living shorelines, and seawall preservation. As a specialized vendor, we provide our Reef Arches and can work directly with City Engineers or the city’s contracted engineering firm.
Commercial
We work with engineering firms and developers to provide a unique solution that has both a functional purpose and a visually aesthetic appeal. The property can create an 'aquarium effect' due to the shape of the arch, and a marine light can be installed underneath the structure.
Residential
Why search for a fishing spot when you can create one right in your backyard? Place our 50-pound units beneath your dock, add some lights, and transform it into your very own private aquarium for you and your family to enjoy. It's easy to install and simple to permit.
Products
50 Pound Unit
2’ 3 1/8”L | 1’ 6 1/16”W | 11 9/16”T
The Reef Arch 50 pound unit is 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, reinforcing Reef Arches' commitment to sustainable and accessible environmental solutions.
$300
1,200 Pound Unit
6’L | 4’W | 2.5’H
The 1200 pound Reef Arch unit is specifically crafted for nearshore environments, focusing on protecting coastlines from severe erosion, creating vital habitats, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
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 fouling organisms. By fostering a thriving hotspot for marine life, this design plays a crucial role in the restoration and enhancement of coastal ecosystems.
$2500
Custom Weight
Up to 7200 Pounds
If you're in need of something more custom, reach out to us with the specific size you're looking for, and we’ll collaborate with our production team to meet your needs.
We can create units as large as 7200lbs, ideal for open ocean settings. Please note that our custom program requires a minimum order of 100 units, with a 50% production deposit required upfront.
Accessories (Inserts)
Looking to make an impact sooner? Explore our accessories.
By partnering with local oyster and coral farmers, we can kickstart your reef or shoreline project by inoculating our Reef Arch Inserts, setting the foundation for a thriving marine ecosystem.
Insert 1
Natural Setting
For natural setting, Reef Arches offers a unique accessory that is inserted directly into the Reef Arch. This retrofitted design provides additional surface area for oysters and marine life. It’s simple to install and excellent for natural growth.
Seawall Enhancement
You can purchase the inserts as part of seawall enhancement and directly adhere right on the seawall. This provides additional texture for marine life and homes for oysters! The more oysters you have, the better water quality you’ll experience!
Artificial Setting
For artificial setting, the insert can be inoculated with oyster spat and shipped to the applicable location for guaranteed oyster recruitment. This is offered as an al-la-carte service.
Coral Outplanting
Lastly, the inserts are perfect for coral nurseries to place their coral propagules directly on for coral restoration. Simply grow the coral on the insert & set directly on the arch. That is the basis of our “Instant Barrier Reef” system.
Insert 2
Behold! The mini-insert. Perfect to fit into our 50 pound unit.
This handheld piece is excellent for:
Natural Setting
For natural setting, Reef Arches offers a unique accessory that is inserted directly into the Reef Arch. This retrofitted design provides additional surface area for oysters and marine life. It’s simple to install and excellent for natural growth.
Seawall Enhancement
Mix-n-match our mini-inserts with our larger one and make a unique mosaic directly on the seawall. This provides additional texture for marine life and homes for oysters! The more oysters you have, the better water quality you’ll experience!
Artificial Setting
For artificial setting, the insert can be inoculated with oyster spat and shipped to the applicable location for guaranteed oyster recruitment. This is offered as an al-la-carte service.
Coral & Aquariums
Lastly, our mini-inserts are perfect for growing coral; check out our super cool picture of corals growing on top of them. If you are into aquariums, you can definitely use create some fun textures and unique arrangements in your tank.
Our Focus
Hollistic Shoreline Recovery - Resilient Shoreline - Living Shoreline - Oyster & Habitat Enhancement - Coral Restoration
Our Focus
Aerial Shots
Start
End
FAQ & Permit Compliance
Units are selected for the appropriate weight given local wave dynamics. Our 1200-pound units are also connected together, thus becoming a 15,000-pound assembly. Earth anchors are possible in some cases, typically discussions with a coastal engineer can help refine this. Wave Attenuation Data is provided upon request.
Yes, and it’s pretty awesome.
Yes, it stacks just like red solo cups. Stack them vertically for transportation and barge deployment. Installation then can be stacked just like making a cup pyramid. Quick, drag-n-drop system makes it more efficient than traditional methods.
We use csa concrete, and can make custom mix designs as needed per each client or engineer needs.
Yes! We have 4 different colors and working on more!
For residential use, you should always check with your local government and agencies to ensure that you are compliant when making a super cool reef or structure for your dock and/or a new structure for fish to call home. A marine light would help make it easier to see the structure depending on the water quality.
Yes, we have multiple patents and we are happy to license the technology. Contact us to learn more.