Services

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.

GHOST GEAR DISAPPEAR INC. can monitor marine environment before, during and after, Artificial Reef installations or construction activities. We also offer long-term marine monitoring services to assess the eco system health and evaluate the environmental change performance.

Monitoring and mapping the marine environment provide crucial evidence on marine species and habitats. The evidence gathered underpins decisions on management and use of the offshore environment.

• Video survey monitoring and interpretation. Marine Protocols
• Identification and mapping of sensitive marine areas
• Eelgrass beds identification and monitoring
• Sustainable Shore design, restoration, and enhancement
• Coastal species and habitat surveys, classification and mapping
• Aerial Survey (Shore and Offshore Marine Zone)
• Underwater Video Survey – ROV, SIMS and dive surveys
• Mitigation Strategies, input to sustainable project design options.
• Offsetting identifications for compensation projects, design and implementation

• Bridge Inspection
• Wharfs /Marina inspection
• Water reservoirs
• Hydroelectric dams
• Aquaculture sites
• Ship hull inspections
• Insurance inspections
• Search and retrieval
• Sediment / water sample collection
• Inland water ways

ROV RETRIEVAL METHODOLOGY
©THE AUSTIN WAY

THE AUSTIN WAY Method a combination of 30 years knowledge, new technology ROV and restoration efforts .We want to give you the tools to see the full picture for new generation fishers’ legacy

GHOST GEAR DISAPPEAR INC. is committed to using techniques that minimize harm to marine and coastal habitat. Traditionally, a grappling hook or towbars were dragged along the bottom in the last know location of lost gear in the hope of snagging a rope or net. This method is very damaging to marine habitat since towing anything across sensitive sea bottom injures species and degrades or destroys plant species and habitat structures. Instead, we scan areas using sonar, and once targets are found, then an ROV is sent down to investigate with live 4K video capabilities. Once we identify the target as ALDFG then the ROV attaches the “magic hook” and tether and surfaces with the ALDFG. Nothing is dragged along the bottom and ALDFG is removed with minimal disruption to habitat. This is the most environmentally beneficial method we have contrived so far, but we intend to continue to innovate and upgrade and newer technologies become available. Habitat protection and improvement is our main objective.

Using SHERP directly deployed and collected from an off-shore vessel will eliminate disturbance to fragile coastal habitats like dunes and wetlands and allow us to remove ALDFG from beaches not accessible from land.

*Abandoned Lost Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) refers to the management of fishing gear (onboard and deployed, e.g., FADs) and retrieval of lost gear as a means of reducing fisheries bycatch and environmental damage.

Coastal conservation, Restoration and Management

Sea grasses are critical juvenile fish and shellfish habitat.

Salt marshes provide critical shore protection services and essential habitat for juvenile fish, shellfish, and birds

In addition to their carbon sequestration potential, both seagrass and salt marshes support climate adaptation by improving habitat and the food chain for commercial fisheries; shoreline stabilization; storm protection and flood attenuation. Many blue carbon plant species also significantly raise the seafloor, again supporting natural coastline protection against sea level rise.

Restoring, protecting and improving blue carbon ecosystems (i.e., salt marshes and seagrass) across coastal areas is a key tool in achieving these goals.

Coming Soon