Walter Marine/“Reefmaker” was founded in 1986. Over the years we have become the largest deployer of artificial reefs in the United States. Along the way, during our 18,000+ deployments, our research has found that concrete is not suitable reef material. Concrete has a PH problem that limits the marine biodiversity able colonize the reef. No concrete reef can ever mimic a natural reef in biotic structure.
The reefs shown on the right are the evolution of our years of developing artificial reefs. While all our reefs have alternate substrate, we discovered what a lot of marine scientists already knew; 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.
We developed and patented the process of attaching soft rock to a concrete structure. This produces a reef where the overall surface area of the rocks greatly exceed 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.
The cost of manufacturing and deployment are so economical, we are able to compete with concrete rubble. We can build more cubic feet of reef for less money than the cost of handling concrete rubble. The cost and environmentally friendly concept of our Florida Limestone reef is causing reef coordinators around the country to consider our “Florida Limestone” reef as an alternative to concrete pipe & rubble.
Our latest research has focused on substitute estuary and an environmentally friendly replacement for bulkheads. EcoSystems complex design and unique anchoring system offers wave attenuation, estuary enhancement, coral reef restoration and oyster reef restoration. Visit our EcoSystems website http://www.reefmaker-ecosystems.com/ for more information.
