Local Artificial Reef Project to Have No Observable Impact on Ocean Recreation, University of Miami Study Finds
UM’s SUSTAIN laboratory study placates local surfers’ fears, increases local support for implementation of the project
MIAMI, September 13, 2022 —The ReefLine, a large-scale environmental public art project developed by BlueLab Preservation Society in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, today released the findings from a study [AP1] with the University of Miami’s SUSTAIN laboratory that explored the potential impact of the project on ocean recreation in Miami’s South Beach.
The robust study, which was prompted by local fears that the project would affect how waves break at South Beach, finds that the ReefLine project will have no observable negative impact on existing ocean recreational activities, including surfing, with all conditions tested having percent changes in wave heights of less than ten percent. Yieldingno significant or consistent reduction in wave heights, the results of the physical modeling study, which replicated the subsection of the ReefLine installation at a 1/20 model scale, did confirm the structure’s ability to withstand a 50- and 100-year event. The study’s results are a critical step in developing the ReefLine as a safe community project that draws attention to ocean conservation and attracts art-lovers and conservationists from around the world to Miami.
“The ReefLine is a project for the city of Miami, so we want to ensure all perspectives are represented and considered during the development process — from conceptualization to implementation,” said Ximena Caminos, founder and creative director of the ReefLine project, who greenlighted the initial $20,000 research investment for BlueLab Preservation Society. “We have a real opportunity in Miami to educate local, national and global audiences on the importance of ocean conservation, and the results of this study bring us one step closer to realizing these goals.”
Along with the positive results of this study, the ReefLine has obtained all necessary permits from Miami-Dade County DERM and the FEDP to meet city requirements. This support from city and local stakeholders, combined with recent fundraising investments from significant environmental and art patrons, puts the ReefLine on track to soon begin construction with the first deployment targeted for mid-2023.
This study’s findings build on the support the project has received from the scientific community over the past year. In May, the ReefLine welcomed Sylvia Earle, National Geographic explorer, as a spokesperson for the project at the free public-education event, “Resilient Futures, Art as a Tool for Change: Co-Creating with Nature.” Earle emphasized the need for innovative ways to help our oceans and noted she was a “true believer in the ReefLine.”
ABOUT THE REEFLINE
The ReefLine calls attention to the need for conservation of our oceans and shorelines and the impact that climate change is having on these communities through a stunning new marine art concept off the coast of Miami Beach.
Working with scientific data and studies from renowned scientists, international artists are designing an interactive art installation that will serve as an artificial reef and can be used to educate residents, visitors, and environmentalists about the importance of healthy coral reefs. Learn more: https://www.thereefline.org/