On June 8, World Oceans Day, WMODA pays tribute to Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI) and the 1000 Mermaids Project for successfully deploying a new artificial reef off Hollywood beach. The Guardians of the Sea reef is the first in South Florida accessible to snorkelers. Visitors to our Dania Beach location will remember what fun we had with the Mermaid selfie tail loaned by ORAI.  It inspired many museum activities, including a Mermaid Quest scavenger hunt and a coral reef clay building project.

On May 22 and 24, ORAI deployed artificial reef modules at four locations offshore from North Beach Park, Harry Berry Park, and Keating Park. As well as habitat modules, the installations included art modules of mermaids, a merman, a diver selfie suit, and a mermaid selfie tail. The City of Hollywood also commissioned a centennial logo to mark its 100-year anniversary.  The modules are designed to restore critical marine life, attenuate waves, retain beach sand and protect coastlines. The underwater sculptures are also a huge draw for ecotourists and art lovers.

Previously, ORAI, in partnership with the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), deployed a 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef consisting of 20 ocean-friendly modules a mile off the coast of Hollywood Beach. Located in about 35 to 40 feet of water, it is accessible to certified, skilled divers via vessel.

The 1000 Mermaids artificial reef project is a monumental public eco-art initiative that serves as an underwater destination for coral restoration, eco-tourism and research. Since its launch in  2019 by Dr. Shelby Thomas, she and her team have worked tirelessly to fulfill their mission to enhance marine habitats and expand fish habitats while providing creative, economic, and educational opportunities for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. In the last five years, ORAI has deployed 150 artificial reef modules in the ocean off South Florida’s coast.

The artificial reef sculptures weigh between 2,200 and 3,300 pounds each and are outfitted with the patented "Coral Lok" system developed by Chris O’Hare, an architect, engineer, and sculptor with a parallel career in bio-marine enhancement. The structures, built by Reef Cells in Boynton Beach, have biological bases specifically engineered to support fish habitats.

Louise Irvine and glass artist Chelsea Rousso had the opportunity to visit Reef Cells last year and see the artificial reef sculptures before deployment.  Chris explained the principles behind the Coral Lok system, which allows coral to be out-planted directly to the structures to provide restoration opportunities. They use eco-friendly materials, including limestone, concrete, and calcium carbonate, that encourage corals and other sea creatures to attach themselves to the reef. The reef shapes are strategically designed to provide a home to thousands of fish and invertebrates.  Sharon Halupka also showed us some of her sculptures for the 1000 Mermaids Project.

 The museum’s collaboration with ORAI and the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef project has made mermaids an important theme for WMODA. Our Mermaid Quest scavenger hunt was enjoyed by visitors of all ages as they searched for all the ceramic mermaids on display. For two years, Rhanu, our “mermaid in residence,” fused art, science, and fantasy to introduce audiences of all ages to conservation issues in our marine environment. She also inspired art and fashion projects, including Chelsea Rousso’s wearable glass bikini top.

Glass artists at WMODA, including Rob Stern and Josh Fradis, have created beautiful coral sculptures that draw attention to the coral disease and bleaching events disrupting South Florida’s reefs. Mirela Popovici, a multi-media artist, worked with our visitors on a community clay building project inspired by our coral reefs. Look out for more initiatives later this year to help save our tropical paradise.

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Save our Tropical Paradise | Wiener Museum

World 0ceans Day | Wiener Museum

Read more about the 1000 Mermaids and ORA

 www.1000mermaids.com

 www.oceanrescuealliance.org