From 2019 to now: 300 mermaid sculptures turn Florida seabed into reef
The 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project has deployed over 300 concrete sculptures off the Florida coast to serve as artificial reefs. These structures are designed to restore marine ecosystems by providing habitats for coral and sea life while doubling as public art.
Why it matters
This project demonstrates an innovative intersection of environmental conservation and public art to address the degradation of marine habitats.
More than 300 sculpted reef modules, including ocean-friendly concrete mermaids, now sit on the seafloor off South Florida as part of a growing marine restoration project launched seven years ago. Known as the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project, the initiative combines public art with habitat creation to help restore damaged marine ecosystems. According to records from Ocean Rescue Alliance International, the non-profit organisation leading the project, the team began placing the structures off Palm Beach County in 2019 and has since expanded south into Broward County. The project uses large reef modules made in partnership with Reef Cells, an engineering company based in Boynton Beach. Each module weighs between 2,200 and 5,500 pounds and is made from pH-neutral, environmentally friendly concrete designed to support marine life. The structures are not simply underwater artworks.
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