In 2019, Florida began sinking mermaid-shaped reef sculptures; the project now has more than...

Florida began sinking mermaid-shaped reef sculptures More than 300 sculpted reef modules, including ocean-friendly concrete mermaids, now sit on the seafloor off South Florida as part of a growing marine restoration project launched seven years ago. Known as the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project, the initiative combines public art with habitat creation to help restore damaged marine ecosystems. According to records from Ocean Rescue Alliance International, the non-profit organisation leading the project, the team began placing the structures off Palm Beach County in 2019 and has since expanded south into Broward County. The project uses large reef modules made in partnership with Reef Cells, an engineering company based in Boynton Beach. Each module weighs between 2,200 and 5,500 pounds and is made from pH-neutral, environmentally friendly concrete designed to support marine life. The structures are not simply underwater artworks. They contain holes, textured surfaces and sheltered spaces where fish, lobsters and other marine animals can live and grow.Combining art with reef restorationTo create the sculptures, artists make body casts of real people and use them to produce conc...