How it Works

 

Our projects focus on training local community members to build artificial structures that create permanent fish habitats. Using a proven process, we help communities worldwide implement new reef ecosystems.

Once local permits are secured, projects follow the below steps:

STEP 1

Teach the community about the importance of corals, sustainability and how to reduce human impact on coral reefs.

STEP 2

Build artificial reef structures.

STEP 3

Collect and hang corals on PVC trees.

STEP 4

Outplant nursery grown corals onto artificial reef structures.

STEP 5

Monitor. Plan for tourism & internships.

Current Projects

Bocas del Toro, Panama

In August 2022 we started a pilot project together with Caribbean Coral Restoration to build a memorial reef for a loved one of the owners of Ataraxia Guesthouse. We are testing this area to be sure it bodes well for our methods and will complete the full project based on the outcome of the pilot.

Past Projects

Pixvae, Panama

The Bay of Pixvae has seen a significant decline in fish population as the reefs are mechanically damaged from destructive fishing practices. The community members were eager to learn how to bring back their source of protein through building artificial reefs. We taught them about the importance of corals, sustainable fishing, and how to rebuild their reefs.

Coral Nation, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

In collaboration with Caribbean Coral Restoration

Two artificial reefs and three species of corals planted to revive a suffering reef on the East side of Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama. 

Solarte, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

In collaboration with Caribbean Coral Restoration

We have built three artificial reefs on the north side of Solarte Island, in collaboration with Caribbean Coral Restoration. The three reefs form a large triangle serving as migration points for fish of all kinds.

Pargo Point, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

In collaboration with Caribbean Coral Restoration

Pargo Point Community Build was a collaboration between Floating Doctors, Caribbean Coral Restoration, and the indigenous community of Valle Escondido. The project’s goal is to teach a fishing village how to create artificial structures. We put the structures in the ocean near their village where they can watch the fish populations return.

Ready to build an artificial reef?