REEF HABITAT RELOCATION

Callaway Marine Technologies relocated 26 coral mounds (weighing up to 35,000 lbs.) from a dredge footprint to a nearby relocation site.  As a first of its kind project, CMT had to develop and implement breakthrough coral mound detachment and relocation methodologies. 

The goal of the project was to preserve the many functions that coral mounds serve within the reef ecosystem. This is the future of coral relocation where feasible.  CMT modified an underwater cutting saw to detach the coral mounds and built a containment system on the barge so the coral mounds had circulating water and shade at all times during transport. 

One year post relocation, the coral mounds are stable; their function within the reef ecosystem has been preserved.