Miami Beach Funds 22-Car Concrete Coral Reef Sculpture to Restore Marine Habitat

Miami Beach is pioneering the ReefLine project, an innovative underwater sculpture park designed to restore marine habitats and serve as a tourist attraction. The first phase features "Concrete Coral," an installation of 22 life-sized concrete cars submerged offshore, which will host over 2,200 corals cultivated with sustainable technology to foster reef growth. Conceived by cultural placemaker Ximena Caminos and artist Leandro Erlich, the project transforms symbols of pollution into regenerative art, aiming to extend seven miles along Miami Beach's coast. The ReefLine initiative combines art, science, and environmental restoration, with corals grown in labs and transplanted onto marine-grade concrete sculptures, making the reef accessible to snorkelers and divers. Supported by city funding and grants, the project seeks to outplant thousands of corals while creating a global blueprint for coastal conservation. This effort highlights a unique fusion of cultural expression and ecological innovation to protect fragile marine ecosystems.