Marine TREES are the first fully biodegradable artificial reefs made from trees. These structures mimic natural habitats, providing a great home for different marine life. Made from sustainably sourced trees, these reefs support fish and many other marine organisms. As they break down over time, they release vital nutrients into the ecosystem, enhancing biodiversity and fostering a healthier marine environment.
Tree reefs have resulted in a five-fold increase in fish abundance and three-fold increase in fish diversity after only six months.
Read the results published in Frontiers of Marine Science (2023).
Structure for habitat
Oysters, mussels, cuttlefish eggs and barnacles are among some of the species that find a secure place on the branches of the tree reefs, creating a thriving ecosystem that promotes marine diversity.
Why marine trees?
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia USA
The natural entry of wood into ocean ecosystems has significantly diminished due to human activities such as deforestation and river damming. This disruption not only affects the habitat structure but also reduces the availability of nutrients essential for marine life. By restoring wood to the ocean, we aim to reinstate the ecological balance that once flourished in these environments. Artificial reefs crafted from sustainably sourced trees provide shelter and breeding grounds for various marine species, fostering biodiversity and enhancing the resilience of ocean ecosystems. Through this initiative, we work to revitalize habitats, promoting a thriving undersea community that benefits both marine organisms and the health of our oceans.
Learn more about marine driftwood in this story from Hakai Magazine.
Hlöðuvík, Westfjords, Iceland
