Artificial Reef

GHOST GEAR DISAPPEAR INC. manufactures Reef Balls for open ocean deployment in sizes from 0.3 to 2.5 m (1 to 8 ft) in diameter and 15 to 3500 kg (30 to 8000 lbs) in weight. Reef balls are hollow, and typically have several convex-concave holes of varying sizes to most closely approximate natural coral reef conditions by creating whirlpools. Reef balls are made from pH-balanced microsilica concrete, and are treated to create a rough surface texture, in order to promote settling by marine organisms such as corals, algae, coralline algae and sponges.

Reef Ball modules are designed to mimic natural reefs. These basic modules and related adaptations using Reef Ball technology are the backbone of our restoration and protection efforts and are by far the most used and recognized designed reef structure in the world. Reef Balls are ideally suited for a wide range of aquatic habitats even when used in engineering applications.

SIZES: Over 10 sizes, Multiple styles, and endless variability within each module

Artificial Reefs Aplication

Biodiversity

Reef Balls are uniquely designed specifically to create marine habitat both for fish and for the marine life that grows on reefs. Calcifying marine life such as hard coral, oysters, and barnacles in many areas will grow on the Reef Balls and help increase wave attenuation as they increase the size and complexity of the Reef Balls just as natural reefs grow over time. Reef Balls have been used in over 60 countries worldwide to increase marine habitats and as such are considered a positive addition to oceanic and estuary life.

Lobster Culture

Reef Balls are uniquely designed specifically to create marine habitat both for fish and for the marine life that grows on reefs. Calcifying marine life such as hard coral, oysters, and barnacles in many areas will grow on the Reef Ball Foundation researchers have developed a Lobster culture system integrating a modified Layer Cake-style Reef Ball with standard larval lobster collectors and a feeding system allowing lobsters to feed from the safety of their lairs while increasing growth rate.

Various-sized ledge and void layers allow habitation at all stages of the life-cycle while each layer being smaller at the perimeter

Coastal Protection

Reefs buffer wave energy, acting as natural barriers protecting coastlines, inhabited areas and lives. Areas with healthy reefs have suffered less loss of life, property and economic damage in storms.

Submerged Breakwater For Protection And Renewal

Submerged breakwaters, like natural reefs, allow smaller waves to pass over so natural sand transport along the coast is maintained. Larger waves are disrupted reducing wave energy and reducing erosion.

Natural reefs and Reef Balls as wave attenuation devices (WADs) also create habitat providing environmental benefits beyond erosion control making them ideal for a variety of Living Shoreline applications.

Recreation

Designed reefs can be constructed for recreational diving, snorkeling or often to enhance tourism, all the while providing these amenities also increase marine habitat to benefit the environment. In fact, all Reef Ball projects are required to have a habitat or environmental enhancement component.