In combination, these effects suggest that a living, breathing environment can be created very quickly to support the local ecosystem for decades to come. Our custom to site, species and function habitats can be used as an effective preventative measure for storm damage, as well as in post-disaster situations. Rebuilding, restoring, and expanding the reef and kelp bed, facilitates its survival over the long term and we are the only solution that will meet that challenge in all forms. We measured species diversity using an eDNA sampling technique developed by Nature Metrics. 28 species of fish were detected between our reference and AR site, 2 species detected on our AR are on the Vulnerable and Endangered species list. We believe eDNA testing will flourish as a standard for accurate reporting of site health and habitat progress in the years to come. IntelliReefs was endorsed by UN UNESCO as Project 112 in October of 2021, We were endorsed for creating a “Bio Oasis” in the Caribbean where we deployed Oceanite modules in 2018. The Project is a part of the Coral Reef Sentinels: A Mars Shot for Blue Planetary Health

The success of the kelp growth in Halifax Harbour exceeded our initial expectations. Using an underwater robotic camera, we have observed the presence of multiple marine species, such as crabs, sea stars, and fish. Notably, the sea stars have even begun reproducing, resulting in an abundance of baby sea stars adorning our Oceanite modules. This remarkable outcome would not have been possible without the implementation of an IntelliReefs habitat. If our Oceanite IntelliReef modules can flourish in such a highly degraded harbor, it is a testament to their adaptability and effectiveness, making them suitable for various challenging marine environments worldwide. Oceanite is the perfect substrate for kelp holdfasts to attach to by satisfying the need for a secure anchoring point, which can withstand harsh ocean environments. Kelp holdfasts have a strong preference for robust yet porous surfaces, often choosing to settle along cold rocky shorelines. Oceanite's complex system of pores creates more surface area per square inch, optimizing kelp settlement and the potential for kelp forests. Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada

Kelp Research Module Deployment IntelliReefs CAN's first Canadian kelp restoration project deploying off of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. After months of preparation, IntelliReefs successfully deployed the first ReefShip modules in Dartmouth Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. In total, we deployed 16 ReefShip Modules. The aim of this large scale artificial reef deployment is to ascertain the efficacy and impact of Oceanite for attracting and growing a healthy kelp community. IntelliReefs' ReefShip design mimics the architecture, geology, and chemistry of natural tropical and temperate reefs. ReefShip quickly builds 3D complexity and structure where it has been lost due to climate change, coastal development, and pollution in order to feed and shelter fish and invertebrates, and provide biomimicking substrates that attract and sustain kelp and shellfish species. For this deployment, IntelliReefs had the pleasure of partnering with a local company, Dominion Diving. Dominion Diving is Canada’s superior marine service force based in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1969, the company has earned a solid reputation for pushing the limits and extremes of marine innovation throughout its history.

This specific example originates from Halifax Harbour, a highly degraded cove situated within an industrial shipping district in Nova Scotia, Canada. The first round of scientific monitoring on the reef array took place in April 2022. We found that the majority of the surface area of the Oceanite modules was covered in a foundational community of filamentous algae, but that juvenile kelp sporophytes (5-10 cm) had also colonized the Oceanite. An associated faunal community of sessile invertebrates (e.g. jingles), motile invertebrates (e.g. sea stars), crab communities and fish (e.g. sculpins) was also present. In contrast, the concrete modules were mostly bare, with sparse cover of filamentous algae and no kelp. Lastly, there was a striking influence of depth on the coverage and size of kelp, as the Oceanite module in shallow water had 100% cover of large (~30 cm) kelp sporophytes (Saccharina latissima).

IntelliReefs is working to put the world’s best technology underwater to build new and more robust coral reefs. We manufacture from the nano to industrial scale, customizing our designs to help our clients reach their sustainability goals.