Rebooting the Ocean Restoration Movement

Santa Barbara, Calif., July 23, 2013 /3BL Media/ – For every society-shaping movement a cycle of life and death occurs; there can also be colorful peaks and valleys and even memorable renaissances. Such is the case with the ocean enhancement and restoration movement that is being charged back to life by a local 501(c)(3) public non-profit organization known as the Fish Reef Project (FRP). Founded by Captain Chris Goldblatt, FRP will create California’s very first marine life enhancement Fish Reef just three miles South West of Santa Barbara Harbor.

After 100 years of harbor dredging and effluent and city run-off, the seafloor off Santa Barbara, California has been coated in a thick layer of mud, which ultimately has killed off vast areas of kelp and crippled much of the marine ecosystem. FRP will lay down 1400 marine-grade cement, igloo shaped objects known as Reef Balls. Used around the world, the Reef Balls have exponential surface and cave area than other man-made reef technologies allowing new marine life to take hold in just 18 months. Empty, muddy, anemic seafloor is converted into a thriving kelp (or coral in warm water) marine ecosystem full of fish, lobster, scallops, soft corals, limpets, crabs and maybe even abalone.

FRP was founded on the core belief that a truly successful ocean enhancement and restoration project must yield fast and tangible results while uniting the community to a single common cause of helping ocean life thrive^TM.

Designed with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guidelines in mind, FRP’s Fish Reefs will mimic the sea floor and allow nature to enhance its own habitat. Not only will the Fish Reefs offset human impacts such as pollution, dredging, fishing, and tourism, but they will also take pressure off the natural reefs in the area. Simultaneously, the Fish Reefs will scrub the water; filter feeders such as scallops and soft corals catch underwater dirt (human run-off) and break it down.

Founder, Captain Chris Goldblatt says, “Because of the exponential surface and cave area on the Reef Balls, the Fish Reefs have a life creating capacity that far exceeds its two-acre footprint. Natural reefs are extremely precious – the Fish Reef Project will provide an extraordinary oasis of life on a seafloor of what now is just mud.”

All seaside states in the U.S. have implemented robust reefing programs with the exception of California, which defunded its own reefing program in 1989. By establishing networks of Fish Reefs along the coast of California, FRP can unite communities, turn the tide, and show the world that California is a leader in ocean conservation.

At a cost of $1.5 millions per two-acre reef, FRP is accepting donations. Naming rights will go to the single largest donor (over $700,000) while individual reef balls will bear a brass plaque with the names of any donors over $10,000.

In October 2013 we will be hosting a VIP boat ride to the first two-acre reef site off of Santa Barbara. Take action and be part of this game changing project lead by people committed to helping the ocean thrive! To learn more about FRP, the VIP boat ride, or to donate, please visit www.fishreef.org or email: admin@fishreef.org

About Fish Reef Project
The Fish Reef Project is the next great ocean enhancement and restoration movement. As a public 501(c)(3), it’s goal is to turn empty, anemic sea floors throughout the world into thriving marine ecosystems that will be the home, breeding, and feeding grounds to millions of marine mammals, sea birds, turtles, fish, lobster, abalone, scallops, marine algae and much more. The Reef Ball technology and the design of the Fish Reefs mimic the natural sea floor and have been deployed in reefs in 70 countries.

Contact For Further Information:
Chris Goldblatt
831-274-2302
admin@fishreef.org
www.fishreef.org