Did you know our waters hold a special Aquatic Preserve designation from the State of Florida, managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)? This recognition means they are protected for their exceptional ecological, scenic, and recreational value — from seagrass meadows and mangroves to the countless fish and wildlife that call them home.
Filtered by One Mini Reef A Day
Grown in One Mini Reef Per Year
(Sea Squirts, Barnacles, Oysters, etc.) that colonize the structure
David Wolff, CEO and founder of the non-profit Ocean Habitats, created the Mini Reef
By installing mini reefs under docks, residents are creating thriving marine habitats that restore sea life and transform our waterways for generations to come. As these reefs grow, we can expect clearer water, more fish, and a healthier ecosystem — all within our treasured Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves.
How Can I Purchase a Mini Reef?
Contact us and we can provide updated information on cost of the mini Reef.
Will I have to install the reef myself?
Contact us and we can discuss options for install. If you are comfortable installing the reef yourself, you are welcome to do so.
What is the Mini Reef made of?
Contact us and we can provide current details on what the mini reefs are constructed of.
Mini reef habitats provide powerful benefits for our waters and communities. Each reef can filter more than 30,000 gallons of water a day, improving clarity and reducing pollutants that stress marine ecosystems. They create safe shelter for juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp, helping to replenish local fisheries and bring marine life back to our shores. Best of all, residents can install them under their docks, turning private spaces into thriving sanctuaries that contribute to the collective health of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf.
Mini reefs transform the underwater environment in powerful ways. As oysters, barnacles, and sea squirts settle on the structure, they boost oxygen levels and improve water health. Acting like living breakwaters, they reduce wave energy and support the return of seagrass, a vital food source for manatees and nursery for countless species. Over time, a single reef can host more than 100 species, turning empty waters into thriving ecosystems and giving residents a hands-on role in restoring Charlotte Harbor.
Decades of dredge-and-fill left Florida’s canals barren “biological deserts,” lined with seawalls and bulkheads instead of mangroves and marshes. That challenge inspired Ocean Habitats founder David Wolff to revive technology he first worked with in college — creating mini reefs that bring life back to these canals. Today, habitats tucked under docks are turning lifeless waters into thriving ecosystems, where filter-feeders clean the water, juvenile fish find shelter, and larger species return to feed.
We want you to have the best, most accurate information, so we do our best to keep up with the latest FAQs about Mini Reefs directly from the manufacturer.
How Can I Purchase a Mini Reef?
Contact us and we can provide updated information on cost of the mini Reef.
Will I have to install the reef myself?
Contact us and we can discuss options for install. If you are comfortable installing the reef yourself, you are welcome to do so.
What is the Mini Reef made of?
Contact us and we can provide current details on what the mini reefs are constructed of.
Join our conservation programs to protect and restore our island’s ecosystems. Volunteer your time and talents, make a donation to support essential resources, or participate in our adoption program by nurturing sea oats or mangrove propagules, or adopting a mini reef to aid in marine life restoration.
Our programs are designed for volunteers eager to learn about the ecosystem! Participate in activities such as building Vertical Oyster Gardens, propagating mangroves, restoring shorelines, and planting sea oats. Unlike traditional lectures, these hands-on experiences allow you to engage directly with the environment and make a tangible impact.
Volunteer Island Cleanup Team
The Clean Islands volunteer team is dedicated to preserving the beauty of our island. Our passionate group of volunteers comes together to clean vital areas, including easements and beach access points, ensuring our environment remains vibrant and accessible. Thanks to our generous community members and visitors, we have successfully removed approximately 10 tons of construction debris and 6 tons of vegetation, all fueled by the energy and big hearts of our volunteers. Join us in making a real difference—get involved and help us keep BOCILLA Island beautiful.
Coming this Fall 2025
Join us in this vital mission to protect and revitalize our aquatic ecosystems! VOGs consist of oyster shells strung together with lengths of rope, designed to hang below docks. Building on the success of our pilot projects at the Marine Life Park and Artificial Reef, we are excited to introduce our upcoming program this fall. This effort not only aims to enrich our park’s biodiversity but also encourages community members to establish similar gardens at their docks.
20 Mini Reefs were installed by Ocean Habitat on May 17, 2023 at the Artificial Reef & Marine Life Park.
If you have a dock, you can purchase your very own Mini Reef, and we’ll help you install it. And if you don’t have a dock, you can still join the fun by adopting a Mini Reef that will be installed at a host location or one of our parks. Best of all, you can adopt a portion of a Mini Reef — every contribution helps, and together we’ll build reefs that clean the water and bring marine life back to our islands. Each Mini Reef filters up to 30,000 gallons of seawater daily while creating a habitat for fish and other marine life.
We are proud to be a Nationally Certified Wildlife Habitat Community, recognizing that our community as a whole met the requirements by certifying 40 individual properties and providing ongoing education that supports and celebrates wildlife conservation.
Receiving a Certified Wildlife Habitat® designation from the National Wildlife Federation means that your property provides the essential elements wildlife need to thrive—food, water, cover, places to raise young, and sustainable practices that support the local ecosystem. This certification recognizes your commitment to creating and maintaining a healthy environment where native plants and animals can flourish.
Be the first to learn about our Island Living lecture series and exciting fundraisers, where we unite to support preservation and environmental education! Stay informed about our upcoming clean-up events and hands-on demonstrations in our parks, like creating oyster strings that benefit our beautiful shores!
Bocilla Islands Conservancy Overview
Bocilla Islands Conservancy is a public, nonprofit, non-political organization working in partnership with the residents of the Bocilla Islands chain, including Don Pedro Island, Knight Island, Little Gasparilla Island, and Thornton Key. Our mission is dedicated to the long-term preservation of open, undeveloped spaces and natural habitats across the Bocilla Islands. The Conservancy can customize conservation easements through land acquisition, ensuring sensitive habitats are preserved and protected to maintain the ecological balance of the islands.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and opinions of Bocilla Islands Conservancy members. It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. Bocilla Islands Conservancy assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the information provided. Visitors are encouraged to consult qualified professionals regarding any concerns or decisions. By using this site, you agree that Bocilla Islands Conservancy and its contributors shall not be held liable for any actions taken based on the information presented here.