Underwater Art Installation 'Concrete Coral' Opens Off Miami Beach on October 20
An innovative underwater art installation, 'Concrete Coral', is set to open off the coast of Miami Beach on October 20. The project aims to raise awareness about environmental restoration while protecting the coastline from erosion and rising sea levels.
The installation, part of The Reefline, a 7-mile underwater sculpture park, consists of 22 'cars' submerged to create artificial coral reef systems. Each car, weighing about 13 tons, is sculpted from eco-friendly marine concrete and seeded with corals, providing homes for marine life.
The cars, symbolizing greenhouse gas emissions, transform into nature supports, bolstering the barrier coral reef system. The Reefline also includes a snorkel trail along hybrid reefs installed to fortify the damaged coral reef system. Snorkeling will be available starting in November.
Florida's Reef Tract has suffered severe degradation due to warming temperatures, rising sea levels, and human activity. An unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023 caused bleaching events that further damaged the corals. The Concrete Coral installation hopes to draw attention to these issues and contribute to their restoration.
The Concrete Coral installation, opening on October 20, uses art to highlight the importance of protecting and restoring Florida's corals. By creating artificial coral reef systems, it helps protect Miami Beach from erosion and provides habitats for marine life. The project is a unique blend of art and environmental conservation.
