Walter Marine
22605 Andrews Lane, Orange Beach, 36561, United States
The “Reefmaker” of Walter Marine deployed its first artificial reef in 1986. Today it is the largest reef builder in the United States. The Reefmaker has deployed over 35,000 artificial reefs and owns four patents. Research has proven our artificial reef units outperform all others in natural substrate, complexity/rugosity, durability, size, production of fish, estuary substitute and wave attenuation.
Over the years artificial reefs have evolved drastically. Today's artificial reef systems are designed for specific tasks such as: species habitat, wave attenuation, oyster restoration, estuary enhancement, coral reef repair, recreational diving, fishing reefs, fishery management, barriers to protect endangered habitat, snorkeling reefs and as integral parts of pier construction.
The largest challenge in providing a substitute for natural reefs is the substrate. Man is not able to duplicate nature’s perfect surface for reef flora and fauna to live on. Concrete reefs cannot mimic a natural reef in biotic structure. The solution is to use natural material.
Our artificial reefs were developed from years of research and testing. While all our reefs have alternate substrate, the best artificial reef material is natural soft rock. Florida Limestone rock comprised of ancient clam shells or similar soft rock is the perfect substrate for marine life.
Reefmaker's patented process of attaching soft rock to the concrete structure assures durability while increasing the surface area of the concrete structure. Therefore attracting and providing habitat for all marine life associated with the natural reefs, including boring animals.
Our latest research is focused on an environmental friendly replacement for bulkheads. EcoSystems wave attenuator and oyster restoration tool is being used in Annapolis, Maryland and historic Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze, Florida.
Our EcoSystem snorkeling reef is the only one approved for use by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers able to withstand the surf and tropical occurrances.