Beneath the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, a new artificial reef project is taking shape that will soon transform the seafloor one mile off Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s coastline into both a vibrant marine habitat and a meaningful memorial site.

• The Poseidon Memorial Reef Project, which deployed its first major structures on Wednesday, April 30, represents a sophisticated integration of marine science, artistic expression, and memorial services that promises to enhance the area’s already world-class artificial reef network.

“The Poseidon Memorial Reef is designed as an ecological masterpiece that will over time become a living environment,” said Gary Levine, president of Reef Builders International, who conceived the project after being struck by the beauty of Destin’s waters during a visit in 2010. “Earthly remains of the departed placed within the reef will be ‘Resting In Peace’ surrounded by an ever-changing landscape of marine life—alive, vibrant, and amazingly colorful.”

Ten massive Memorial Pavilion structures—each weighing 20 tons—were transported by barge from Walter Marine’s construction site in Orange Beach, Alabama, to their permanent home off Destin-Fort Walton Beach. 

• According to the project plans, these structures represent just the first phase of an ambitious four-phase development that will eventually grow to 172 pavilions capable of memorializing over 10,000 people.

The detailed layout reveals a meticulously designed concentric pattern with structures arranged in phases from the center outward. Phase 1 will feature 20 bases in the center, followed by Phase 2 with 36 bases in the middle ring, Phase 3 adding 52 bases, and Phase 4 completing the outer ring with 64 bases.

What distinguishes this project from other artificial reefs—and even from Levine’s previous memorial reef—is its comprehensive ecological approach.

• “The Neptune Reef in South Florida focused on art over habitat,” Levine explained. “Poseidon Memorial Reef recognizes the importance of random mass, surface area, and the perfect substrate of limestone coral boulders to the success of creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem.”

This environmental focus attracted renowned underwater sculptor Simon Morris, who serves as Executive Vice President for the project. Morris retired from a 50-year career in the diving industry to work with Levine full time.

“I ‘retired’ in October 2024 to work with Gary full time to pursue our dream,” said Morris, whose previous underwater sculptures have become iconic diving destinations in British Columbia and Grand Cayman.

Morris is creating seven larger-than-life bronze sculptures for the reef, including a dramatic 11-foot representation of Poseidon himself. “Heavily muscled and full of action, Poseidon will be depicted with long hair and beard flying back as he leaps from the back of a bottlenose dolphin emerging from a cresting wave,” Morris described.

The project incorporates a diverse array of structures beyond the memorial pavilions. The site plan shows four lion statues, eight habitat stacks, a single entrance tunnel measuring 12’x10′, three large Reefmaker structures, eight medium Reefmaker structures, the signature Poseidon statue, and five additional reef statues.

These elements utilize specially formulated marine-friendly concrete with a pH level promoting rapid growth of marine organisms, limestone habitat boulders that will provide sanctuary for juvenile species, and both bronze and marble elements designed to last indefinitely while supporting marine life.

• Some of the most substantial components include Super Reef structures weighing 28,000 pounds and standing 16 feet tall, along with various other habitat structures ranging from 4,000 to 6,500 pounds.

These carefully selected materials are expected to attract a diverse array of species. “The existing reefs in the regions have attracted and produced Angelfish, Snapper, Butterflyfish, Goliath Grouper, and many others. This new site will also be frequented by endangered sea turtles such as Loggerhead, Green, and Kemp’s Ridley, and of course, the dolphins,” Levine said.

The project arrives at a strategic moment for Okaloosa County, which has made becoming the nation’s premier artificial reef diving destination a priority. Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief for Okaloosa County, and the Board of County Commissioners provided authorization for the reef under Okaloosa County Environmental Resource Permit for areas known as Fish havens 20, 21, and 22.

• “The Poseidon Memorial Reef Project, combined with these existing reefs and the planned deployment of the SS United States will generate enormous publicity and attract diving tourism from all over the world,” Levine predicted. The economic impact could be substantial—a 2011 Florida Sea Grant study found that for every $1 spent on artificial reefs, $131 is added to the local yearly economy, according to Levine.

Initial deployments began in August and September 2024, including 18-ton “Super Reefs” and an entrance tunnel for divers. However, Wednesday’s deployment represents the first major installation of the memorial structures that form the project’s core.

For those who don’t dive, the reef’s location just a mile offshore will allow visitors and families to experience being close to the memorial site while enjoying the area’s other amenities. The project team plans to share regular photo and video documentation of the reef’s development through websites and social media.

• The project team includes Okaloosa’s Natural Resources Team from a logistical aspect, Walter Marine as the exclusive marine contractor, Legion Undersea Services for subsurface construction, and Michael Hardy as resident marine biologist, according to the project documentation.

With its comprehensive design, artistic elements, and environmental benefits, the Poseidon Memorial Reef represents a significant addition to Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s marine infrastructure—one that will continue to evolve and flourish long after its steel, concrete, and stone components are placed on the Gulf floor.

Coordinates: 30° 21.251’N, 86° 26.343’W