Globally, coral reefs are worth trillions of dollars when you factor in the coastal defense they provide, the food they help supply to human populations and the jobs they create. Unfortunately, these oceanic habitats are in danger due to climate change, predation and overfishing. That’s why Eternal Reefs is such a godsend.
This Sarasota, Florida-based nonprofit produces environmentally safe artificial reef structures that double as memorials for people who pass away. The cremated remains of the departed can rest on the ocean floor surrounded by marine life.
Marine Life After Death
When Don Brawley and Todd Barbar wanted to help alleviate the deteriorating health of natural coral reefs in the Florida Keys in the late ‘80s, they thought of creating something that could last forever. They wanted to replicate organic reef development using a material that could withstand tidal waves and storms and attract underwater organisms with zero negative environmental impact.
These two University of Georgia roommates combined patented mold systems to mimic coral reefs in the wild and a specialized concrete formula to keep the structure’s pH level as close to that of ocean water as possible. That’s how reef balls were born.
They’re 2-4 feet high and 3-5 feet and 6 inches wide, providing abundant surface area where large quantities of microorganisms can settle and propagate. These designed reef structures weigh 550-4,000 lbs. — hefty enough to remain in place no matter how turbulent currents become.
In 1998, Don’s father-in-law — Carlton Palmer — passed. In one of their last conversations, Carlton requested to turn his cremated remains into a reef when he was gone. The thought of being submerged idly on the ocean floor with plenty of action around him gave him comfort.
Don obliged. He incorporated his father-in-law’s remains into one of their concrete structures and included it in a planned placement of designed reefs in Sarasota, Florida. From then on, Carlton’s passing gave a new meaning to reef balls’ everlasting nature. Hence, Eternal Reefs saw the light of day.
Twenty-five years later, over 2,500 Eternal Reefs have been cast off about 25 locations across the coasts of seven American states, from Texas to New Jersey. Many of the remains encased in these concrete memorials were from environmentalists, fishers, divers, sailors and military veterans.
Eternal Environmental Contribution
Using reef balls to give people more eco-friendly alternatives to burial enriches nonprofit’s advocacy. Traditional burial practices consume space, which can be useful for agriculture, housing and other more productive purposes. They can also generate demand for virgin resources — such as wood, metal and natural stone — to make caskets, upright headstones and flat markers.
The United States records 9.3 deaths per 1,000 individuals, meaning disturbing natural habitats and displacing wildlife to build more cemeteries. Moreover, the embalming process involves harsh chemicals like the nasty pollutant formaldehyde, which can contaminate the soil and drinking water sources. Cemeteries regularly require water and fertilizers for landscaping, which may adversely affect soil health and jeopardize groundwater.
Although Eternal Reefs require cremation, which emits greenhouse gases, reef balls are a net positive for Mother Nature. They promote wildlife conservation, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Growing more coral is also crucial because 10 million plastic bags enter the ocean every year, which can harm or suffocate it.
The organization moves mountains to encourage more people to choose a reef memorial over burial when they or their loved ones pass away. It accommodates wishes in advance, permits customized designs and facilitates heartfelt dedication ceremonies. The more reef balls created and cast into the ocean, the faster areas with deteriorating coral reef systems can recover.
Creating New Life From Loss
Despite the group’s decades of effort to increase reef cover, this pressing environmental problem is far from solved. Hopefully, it can raise awareness of threats to marine ecosystems and wake more people up to the drawbacks of conventional burial to aid its fight for coral reef restoration and conservation.
