Redefining Green
The Neptune Memorial Reef™ is designed to serve multiple functions; one is to create a marine habitat. Every angle and texture of the Reef was engineered by a marine biologist to attract and support certain marine life to build an ecosystem. For example, vertical structures were shaped to support corals and coralline algae. Benthic animals are supported with the texture of the base. Arches in the Reef were designed with a decorative hole. The marine biologist noted the hole is a great hiding place, so designed a metal configuration that allows prey animals passage while blocking predators.
CREATING LIFE, AFTER LIFE
MEMORIAL OPTIONS
Create a unique underwater memorial that honors a life while contributing to something awe-inspiring. Select your Placement Package.
PLAN CREMATION
Cremation and deployment to the Neptune Memorial Reef™ can be planned simultaneously to ensure seamless coordination.
After our last required marine survey in 2012, it is evident the Neptune Memorial Reef™ is abundant with life.
56 different species of fish are identified at the Reef, the most abundant being the Bluehead Wrasse. Sergeant Majors, Bar Jacks, and Tomtates are also present in substantial numbers. Fish diversity at the site appears to be increasing. Many species of crab and the long-spined sea urchin are found in crevices.
Benthic organisms, such as sponge and hydroid, are substantially present, particularly on the vertical surfaces of the Reef. Benthic sand and rubble and algae prefer the horizontal surfaces. Filefishes, trunkfishes, and pufferfishes also seem to prefer the vertical surfaces.
In 2012, 195 coral colonies were identified and 14 species, 5 more species of coral than the year before. The Neptune Memorial Reef™ can be quite rightly called a coral reef. This growth in coral species and colonies is an important increase, showing the Reef’s artificial surface to be a suitable settlement habitat for reef building corals. During the 2012 study of the site, researchers observed other key species of the Florida coral reef community: spiny lobsters, spotted and green morays, cleractinian corals, keystone grazing urchin, and the rainbow parrotfish.
The Neptune Reef is developing its ecosystem at a faster rate than hoped, with more marine life than anticipated at this stage of development, and the added joy of unexpected species making an appearance. The Reef is an ecological success.