The 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project & Gallery of 1000 Mermaids is a monumental public EcoArt project in the form of an artificial reef installation that will also serve as an underwater eco-friendly destination for tourism & research. Its mission is to enhance marine habitats and expand fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, economic and educational opportunities for the benefit, education and enjoyment of residents, students and visitors alike. Mermaids have long been a symbol of humans’ connection to the Ocean, and this artificial reef is being created by body casting real people in the form of mermaids on ocean friendly artistically crafted reef modules that will allow their likeness to live forever on the sea floor off of Fort Lauderdale beach.
What began as a simple idea of turning the models into mermaids has now grown into a long term project that will involve many people, volunteers, businesses, organizations, environmental agencies, local and federal government involvement, and even the Army Corps of Engineers. Miami Body Cast has set a goal to create 1000 body sculptures made-up of a sustainable concrete which allows infant coral to adhere to it and restore Florida’s living coral reef population. Each cast will be individually handcrafted by the artists that make up Miami Body Cast in collaboration with our reef building partner Chris O’Hare of Reef Cells and then strategically laid along the ocean of Florida’s east coast. Not only does this project promote eco-friendly awareness and support for the ocean, but it will also become the stage for a world-renowned snorkeling destination, research opportunities, eco-tourism, and countless other benefits.
Hear about the project and future plans with the projects principals including reef builder Chris O'hare of REEF CELLS & Sierra Rasberry of 1000 Mermaids / Miami Body Cast.