Hybrid 3D-Printed Coral Reefs to Improve Marine Ecosystems in Miami’s Latest Underwater Park

### Florida’s Coral Reef Gains an Artistic Partner: The ReefLine’s Fusion of Art and Marine Conservation

Florida, frequently acclaimed for its pleasant climate and vast shores, harbors a natural wonder often disregarded: its coral reef. Spanning almost 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas in Key West to the St. Lucie Inlet, Florida’s coral reef stands as the only living coral barrier reef in the contiguous United States. This lively marine habitat sustains numerous marine species, protects coastlines from erosion, and offers recreational activities for millions. Nonetheless, like reefs globally, Florida’s reef is encountering escalating dangers due to climate change. Elevated sea temperatures, pollution, and recurrent coral bleaching incidents have jeopardized this fragile underwater ecosystem.

Introducing *The ReefLine*, a bold project that synergizes art, science, and ecological restoration. This non-profit organization aims to rejuvenate Miami’s marine habitat by establishing a 7-mile public underwater sculpture garden just off Miami Beach. By teaming up with world-class artists and scientists, The ReefLine is creating not just a sanctuary for marine organisms but also an impressive tribute to human creativity and environmental consciousness.

### *Miami Reef Star*: Fusing Art, Nature, and Legacy

Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre stand out among the numerous artists partnering with The ReefLine, merging environmental activism with creative expression. During Miami Art Week in December 2024, the pair unveiled a prototype of their work, *Miami Reef Star*, along the Mid-Beach shoreline. This large-scale piece consists of 46 modular, 3D-printed star structures, positioned to form one massive star when viewed from above. The design draws inspiration from the natural movements of starfish and reflects the “symbiotic connection between the ocean, land, and cosmos,” as shared by the artists.

Though currently situated on land, this art piece will ultimately be relocated underwater as part of The ReefLine. With a diameter expected to be 90 feet, *Miami Reef Star* will evolve into a hybrid coral reef, providing a platform for marine species such as coral, sponges, and fish to inhabit. Its design is not only visually pioneering but also essential for bolstering the marine ecosystem. Impressively, the sculpture’s size will ensure visibility from above—even to those flying overhead on airplanes.

For Betancourt and Latorre, this endeavor is profoundly personal, deeply rooted in their Caribbean experiences. Raised in Puerto Rico, they nurtured a strong bond with the sea and the environment. Their creations embody a spirit of protection and rejuvenation, fueled by their mutual conviction that “being surrounded by nature is pure magic.” The artists express excitement that *Miami Reef Star* will gradually evolve into a living ecosystem as marine life inhabits their artwork.

### Creating a Marine Park: Art with Intention

The ReefLine’s grand vision encompasses much more than just *Miami Reef Star*. This underwater sculpture park, slated for completion in late spring 2025, will showcase artworks that act as artificial reefs. The installation will occur in stages, with prototypes for various planned installations currently under development.

One notable piece is Leandro Erlich’s *Concrete Coral*, depicting a traffic jam through life-sized concrete car sculptures. This whimsical yet thought-provoking artwork juxtaposes the stifling chaos of city life with the timeless allure of coral reefs. Another featured work, *The Great Elephant Migration*, will display 100 sculptures of Indian elephants crafted from lantana camara, an invasive plant species, further entwining art with environmental rehabilitation in a significant manner.

The installations from The ReefLine extend beyond creating a dreamlike underwater art experience—they also fulfill an ecological role. These sculptures utilize marine-friendly materials and are intentionally designed to serve as substrates for coral growth, facilitating the restoration of Florida’s reef ecosystem. In addition to revitalizing marine life, the underwater park is poised to create unique opportunities for eco-tourism and community involvement. Divers and snorkelers will be able to experience stunning underwater art while gaining insights into the critical necessity of preserving our oceans.

### Art and Environmental Stewardship: An Ideal Collaboration

The partnership among artists, marine scientists, and environmental proponents testifies to the effectiveness of interdisciplinary problem-solving. Projects like The ReefLine foster innovative responses to ecological challenges, merging creative expression with scientific inquiry. Beyond the tangible benefits of reef restoration, The ReefLine showcases the potential of art as a means of raising awareness about urgent environmental concerns.

For Betancourt and Latorre, creating *Miami Reef Star* has offered a chance to craft something transformative—a representation of resilience, adaptability, and harmony between humans and nature. As they articulate it, the process of developing art destined to be embraced by nature evokes a sense of both “magic” and “mystery.” Their aspiration is for the underwater park to motivate and educate, serving as a dynamic example of how imaginative solutions can contribute to addressing environmental challenges.