Beyond The Reef
Artistically creating underwater ecosystems
Beyond The Reef
Artistically creating underwater ecosystems
What we're doing...
OUR MISSION
Beyond The Reef is a British Virgin Islands based nonprofit organization that is working towards creating innovative ways to help our marine ecosystem while generating positive publicity for our island and educating the local community on the importance of ocean health.
OUR PROJECTS
Our most recent projects have focused on building artificial reef systems that are both functional for marine life and highly interactive for humans! In August we turned the "Willy T" (the BVI's most famous floating bar that was destroyed in Hurricane Irma) into a large scale pirate ship prior to sinking it in 65 feet of water where it has now already begun attracting a wide variety of fish species.
In November we also sunk 3 airplanes that we converted into sharks at a separate site. In addition to generating tourism and creating new marine habitat, we also hope that this site will further positive dialect surrounding sharks in our local community and bring pride to their conservation in the BVI. As a result of this, we have also begun shark tagging within the BVI to help shark researchers further study certain species such as Tiger, Bull and Reef sharks and their migratory patterns.
OUR PURPOSE
1) Recycle derelict vessels that would otherwise be disposed of as waste.
2) Create artificial reef in areas that are in need of additional habitat for fish species and coral growth.
3) Create positive tourism and publicity for the BVI's while increasing viable (and very fun) dive sites.
4) And lastly create awareness within the local and internationally community for all of these causes.
5) Use this "product" to generate revenue in the form of diver donations that then benefit local childrens swim lessons.
This last and "main" goal, is to collect $5 from every diver on the site that then goes directly towards teaching local BVI children how to swim, as currently its thought that only 1/10 know how to. In exchange for the donation, divers will receive a commemorative souvenir sticker courtesy of Beyond The Reef.
Watch us on French TV!
Map of the "BVI Art Reef"
Our Mission
Our Game Plan
Our Game Plan
Beyond The Reef works to create an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem within the caribbean that simultaneously encourages local community education and pride in the surrounding underwater habitat.
Our Game Plan
Our Game Plan
Our Game Plan
BUILD to enhance OCEAN LIFE: Create artificial reef systems for aquatic species to inhabit and thrive in where the seafloor is otherwise desolate or damaged as a result of storms or man.
RECYCLE to reduce WASTE: Recycle small items in conjunction with concrete as well as larger items such as derelict boats and additional materials that wo
BUILD to enhance OCEAN LIFE: Create artificial reef systems for aquatic species to inhabit and thrive in where the seafloor is otherwise desolate or damaged as a result of storms or man.
RECYCLE to reduce WASTE: Recycle small items in conjunction with concrete as well as larger items such as derelict boats and additional materials that would otherwise end up as waste in landfill.
ART to create TOURISM: Do this in a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing way to ensure that it is an impacting experience for snorkelers and divers and will generate positive publicity and tourism.
OUTREACH to EDUCATE COMMUNITY: Involve local children in the design and artwork of the coral structures and boats to educate future generations on the need to protect their ocean both locally and beyond.
Who We Are
Our Game Plan
Who We Are
Beyond the Reef's founders are a unique group of collaborators who are passionate about the ocean.
Amongst us are an Underwater Engineer, an Oceanographer, a Metal Sculptor and an Environmental Filmmaker.
Together, with a little help from our friends (and hopefully you!) we can create the most impactful artificial coral reef system on planet Earth.