- Hollywood Beach in Florida has created a new artificial coral trail for snorkelers.
- The underwater statues are also artificial reefs, which is a great way to attract marine life.
- The creators of this trail hope it will help regenerate ocean ecosystems and transform travelers into stewards.
Florida’s new must-see destination is under the ocean.
The state’s first artificial reef trail that is accessible by snorkeling has been built off Hollywood Beach. Guardians of the Reef, has been recently deployed.
The Developed by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), a nonprofit focused on conserving and restoring marine environments via innovative artificial structures, the trail is part coral nursery, part art installation—and fully open to the public.
In just three days, in May, the team set up 50 custom-designed sculptural modules, including 34 coral nursery environments and 16 interactive sculptures, at four easily-accessible public park sites, located 250 to 350 feet from shore. The modules are located at snorkeling depths between 8 and 15 feet. They’re marked with safety buoys. This allows swimmers to explore a stunning underwater gallery.
Shelby Thomas, founder and CEO of ORAI said in an official release. Travel + Leisure. “We’re building cities in the sea for marine life while creating a unique underwater museum that heals marine ecosystems—and inviting the public to become ocean stewards.”
Each of the 16 statues is a marine habitat with a symbolic meaning. The Poseidon and Amphitrite Statue pays tribute to the mythological protectors of the sea, and they preside over structures that are engineered to promote coral regrowth. While the interactive selfie sculptures with mermaid tails and divers encourage visitors to view themselves as stewards to the ocean.
Diverse underwater animals are also used to represent the virtues required to protect marine life. These include a turtle, which represents peace and longevity, an octopus that represents wisdom and adaptability and a seahorse representing fragility and patience.
Living installations are not just for artistic inspiration or underwater fun. They also actively work to restore marine ecosystems. Each module has 100 Coral Lok anchors that support the outplanting of live corals in an attempt to reverse the decline of Florida’s coral reefs and support biodiversity.
The organization hopes this living art exhibit will not only restore reefs but also spark further action—so if you swim out, pair your envy-inducing under-the-sea selfie with a digital oath to protect the ocean.
If You Go From Harry Berry Park, Keating Park and Hollywood’s North Beach Park you can access the reef sites. Bring your own snorkel, mask and fins. Be aware of boats and bring them with you. Use a diver down flag whenever you are snorkeling.
Visit our website for more information oceanrescuealliance.org.
