About Reef Cells

Reef Cells is a one-of-a-kind organization working with leading reef scientists, engineers and artists to design, develop and build artificial reefs that more closely mimic natural reef structures in form and function. Unlike other engineered reef structures, we create natural looking reef modules with interstitial spaces, critical micro and macro habitat, complex surface rugosity and ocean friendly material intended to improve water quality and encourage settlement by marine organisms. This helps promote fish biodiversity,  by creating complex surfaces and spaces that provide habitat for a variety of marine organisms during multiple stages of their life cycle. Surface texture, mineral content and a variety of substrate angles relative to sunlight and water flow provide triggers that promote settlement and colonization by attaching marine organisms.

Additionally, Reef Cells works with leading scientists to develop and create devices products used for cultivating and mechanically attaching cultured corals to our reef modules. Our line of Coral Lok fragmentation plugs, Coral Lok receivers, Coral Lok grow/transport platforms, Coral Guard predator deterrents and Coral Anchor underwater adhesive are becoming the standard for efficient coral propagation and restoration among scientists and researchers.

Art has a unique place in artificial reef development. It does not provide significant amounts of habitat or trigger settlement by attaching organisms. So why is it important? Submerged art inspires and intrigues people. It calls attention to the ocean in general and coral reefs in particular. It attracts divers who may otherwise be visiting nearby fragile natural reefs and it helps local economies benefit from additional tourist dollars.