Artificial & Coral Reefs

The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) protects and restores Miami-Dade’s coral and artificial reefs by deploying and maintaining artificial reef structures, monitoring and treating coral disease, operating mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage, and engaging the public through mapping tools and reporting programs.

Programs

Artificial Reef Program

The Miami-Dade County Artificial Reef Program, established in 1981, manages 28 sites using ships, platforms, concrete, and limestone to restore habitat, support fisheries and expand diving opportunities.

Coral Reefs

Florida is home to the only living coral reef in North America, a vital ecosystem that supports marine life, protects shorelines, and stretches through Miami-Dade County from Miami Beach to Biscayne National Park.

Adopt-a-Buoy Program

The Miami-Dade County Mooring Buoy Program, launched in 2009, provides 54 buoys across 14 reef and preserve sites to protect natural and artificial reefs from anchor damage.