A Reef Ball is a Designed Artificial Reef used to
restore ailing coral reefs and to create new fishing and scuba
diving sites. Reef Balls are used for beach protection,
freshwater, mitigation, and many other uses too. Reef Balls are
the only artificial reef that can be floated and towed behind any
size boat! Reef Balls are made of a special, marine friendly,
concrete and are designed to mimic natural reef systems, they are
used around the world to create habitats for fish and other marine
and freshwater species. Over 500,000 Reef Balls have been deployed
in over 3,400 projects worldwide. Reef Balls are made in many
sizes to best match the natural reef type which is being mimicked.
The most common sizes are named:
Super Reef Ball=6 x 4.5, 5000 pounds
Reef or Ultra Ball = 5-6 X 3.8-4, 4000 pounds
Pallet Ball=4X3, 1750 pounds
Bay Ball=3X2, 400 pounds
Mini-Bay Ball=2 x 21", 300 pounds
Lo Pro Ball = 2 x 1, 75 pounds
Oyster Ball= 18"X1, 35 pounds
"Model" Ball = 7"x5", 6 pounds
Reef Balls are by far the most used designed artificial
reefs in the world due to numerous special features which make
them ideally suited to create aquatic habitats...
Reef Balls can be made with mold systems from the Reef Ball Foundation Inc. Services Division
The Reef Ball Development Group is a volunteer group who's
mission statement charters the group to help restore our world's
ocean ecosystems through the development and use of aesthetically
pleasing, ecologically sound, and economically designed artificial
reefs. We emphasize on-going research, public education, community
involvement, and reefs that promote and support natural species
diversity and population density. The Group has constructed and
deployed more than 500,000 Reef Balls in over 3,400 projects
worldwide.
Or one can buy Reef Balls from authorized
contractors such as:
Reef Innovations, Inc. and others...see
our contractors page for complete
listings.
Or Reef Balls are also often made in conjunction
with the...
Which is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity who funds
and promotes Reef Ball projects for environmental restoration and
protection projects worldwide.
You can even have your cremated remains placed in
a Reef Ball or you can remember a loved one with a Memorial Reef
built using Reef Balls through...
Eternal
Reefs Inc.
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Why Build Reefs?
Man's activities and natural disasters have led to a reductions
in our natural reef systems. Recreationally, growth in sports
fishing, scuba diving, and boating has increased the pressures on
these systems. Commercially, our seafood industry is dependent on
developing the ocean to enable ever larger, yet sustainable,
harvests. The loss of our natural systems, coupled with increased
use, COMPELS US TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SAVE NATURAL REEFS.
Even so, the natural reefs cannot rebuild themselves fast enough
to meet human demands. Long lasting artificial reefs are useful
tools for restoring our reef systems to a natural and productive
balance.
What's Involved
Reef Ballstmare made by pouring concrete into a
fiberglass mold (shown above) containing a central Polyform
buoy surrounded by various sized inflatable balls to make holes.
Six mold sizes are available. Molds can be leased, bought or one
can simply pay a per use fee. Any type of concrete can generally
be used, including end-of-day waste, but additives are needed to
give the Reef Ballstm high strength and to make the
concrete suitable for marine life growth.
The Reef Ball Group provides clients with concrete
specifications and can supply the additives at special discounts.
Building an artificial reef usually requires artificial reef
permits or access to use a permitted area. The Reef Ball Group can
help clients get or secure permission to use a permit. A training
manual on how to use the molds and how to deploy the modules is
also included with the mold systems. Authorized Reef Ball
contractors can provide additional on-site training to make sure
your project goes smoothly. Special programs are available to
subsidize university research projects and other worthy projects
through the Reef Ball Foundation.
Reef Ball Foundation also
encourages participation in projects by private organizations and
has several sponsorship packages available for companies that want
to help the environment while gaining excellent press
exposure. The Group was formed to help folks build quality
artificial reefs. |
What
Is A Reef Ball? 
