Coastal Fish Preservation Programs
Habitat Placement Program
The DockLife Project is a Signature Initiative focused on strategically placing artificial reef habitats through our Habitat Placement Program in degraded waterways, canals, and under docks. This effort aims to restore marine biodiversity, support fishing, and engage waterfront property owners.
DockLife Project
The DockLife Project focuses on underwater habitats beneath docks as part of its Habitat Placement Program to revive fish presence and enhance marine biodiversity in barren canals.
Education and Community
Hands-on workshops and education for Scouting, Schools, Youth Groups, and Clubs, focusing on initiatives like the DockLife Project and the Habitat Placement Program to enhance marine biodiversity.
Habitat placement program
Program Overview
The Habitat Placement Program, a key initiative of Coastal Fish Preservation, aims to restore and enhance marine ecosystems through the strategic placement of artificial reef habitats, affectionately known as “Fish Hotels.” These structures create safe and nurturing environments where marine life can feed, breed, and flourish, ultimately supporting the goals of the DockLife Project. Our efforts are focused on reviving depleted fish populations, promoting marine biodiversity, and fostering sustainable recreational fishing and diving throughout Florida and the broader Caribbean coastal communities.
How it Works
Through scientific research and strategic partnerships, Coastal Fish Preservation identifies priority areas that suffer from habitat loss or barren underwater environments—such as canals, marinas, under dockage zones, and nearshore areas that have experienced fish population decline. This is part of our DockLife Project, aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity through targeted interventions.
We then:
- Construct or procure eco-friendly artificial reef structures as part of our Habitat Placement Program.
- Deploy habitat modules in carefully selected locations, often under docks and in low-activity canals.
- Monitor growth and marine activity post-placement in collaboration with local marine scientists, divers, and volunteers.
- Engage and educate the community about the importance of fish habitat conservation.
Program Goals
Create long-term homes for fish and marine life in degraded or underutilized areas through initiatives like the DockLife Project. Enhance recreational fishing experiences by boosting local fish populations as part of our Habitat Placement Program. Empower boaters, waterfront homeowners, and dock owners to become habitat stewards, fostering partnerships with conservation agencies, researchers, and youth organizations. Raise awareness of how healthy marine ecosystems support resilient coastal economies and promote marine biodiversity.
Who we Serve
Coastal communities in Florida and the Caribbean, along with global coastal communities, play a vital role in supporting initiatives like the DockLife Project and the Habitat Placement Program. Local fishermen and fishing clubs, divers, and marine tourism operators contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity. Additionally, waterfront property owners and marinas, along with students, researchers, and eco-volunteers, are all integral to enhancing our understanding and preservation of these precious ecosystems.
Current Impact Areas
South Florida canals and residential waterfronts are integral to the DockLife Project, which aims to enhance marine biodiversity. Additionally, the Florida Keys and intercoastal reef zones play a vital role in our Habitat Placement Program, promoting ecological balance. We are also exploring pilot placements in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Bahamas to further support these initiatives.
Get Involved
You can support the Habitat Placement Program and contribute to the DockLife Project by:
Donating funds to sponsor habitat units that enhance marine biodiversity.
Partnering with us to host habitat sites under your dock or property, which can play a vital role in the Habitat Placement Program.
Volunteering for placement, research dives, and educational outreach efforts to promote marine biodiversity.
Additionally, consider donating vessels or equipment to assist with transportation and deployment of reef materials, further supporting the operations of our program.
DockLife Project
Program Overview
The DockLife Project, an initiative of Coastal Fish Preservation, focuses on enhancing marine biodiversity by restoring fish populations in canals, residential waterways, and marina environments. This is achieved through the Habitat Placement Program, which involves placing submerged habitat structures beneath docks and along underutilized shorelines. These submerged 'fish homes' convert barren or degraded canal systems into vibrant micro-ecosystems, offering shelter, feeding grounds, and breeding areas for both juvenile and adult fish. By integrating directly with existing dockage infrastructure, the DockLife Project ensures high-impact habitat restoration while minimizing environmental disruption.
How it Works
Using site assessments, environmental data, and local knowledge, Coastal Fish Preservation identifies canal systems, marinas, and residential waterfronts where natural habitat has been lost due to seawalls, dredging, or coastal development. Through our Habitat Placement Program, we aim to restore marine biodiversity in these areas.
We then:
Design and deploy eco-friendly, submerged habitat structures specifically suited for canal and dock environments as part of the DockLife Project.
Install habitats beneath docks and in low-traffic canal zones to maximize protection and fish usage.
Work with waterfront property owners, marinas, and local agencies to secure placement permissions.
Monitor habitat performance and fish activity in partnership with marine scientists, divers, and volunteers.
Educate property owners and the surrounding community on how dock-based habitats support healthier waterways.
Program Goals
Restore fish habitat in canals and residential waterways through initiatives like the Habitat Placement Program, where natural structures no longer exist. This will help increase local fish populations and enhance marine biodiversity in highly developed coastal areas. By supporting sustainable recreational fishing, we can promote healthier nearshore ecosystems. Engaging dock owners and marinas as active participants in marine conservation, such as through the DockLife Project, is essential. Furthermore, we aim to demonstrate scalable, cost-effective habitat solutions for urban coastal environments.
Who we Serve
Coastal and canal-based communities in Florida and the Caribbean, along with the DockLife Project's expansion to global coastal regions, include waterfront homeowners and dock owners, marinas and harbor operators, local fishermen and fishing clubs, divers and marine tourism professionals, as well as students, researchers, and environmental volunteers involved in the Habitat Placement Program aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity.
Current Impact Areas
South Florida's residential canals and waterfront neighborhoods are vital for the DockLife Project, which aims to enhance marine biodiversity through innovative habitat placement programs. The interconnected intercoastal waterways and marina systems support these efforts, including pilot DockLife deployments in the Florida Keys and emerging pilot projects in the Bahamas.
Get Involved
You can support the DockLife Project by contributing to our Habitat Placement Program through various means: donating funds to sponsor submerged habitat units, partnering with us to host habitat placements under your dock or marina property, and volunteering for habitat installation, monitoring, and community education activities. Additionally, you can aid in enhancing marine biodiversity by donating vessels or equipment to assist with habitat deployment, transportation, and program operations.
Education and community
Protecting Coastal Life, One Habitat at a Time
At Coastal Fish Preservation, we believe that every action counts in the preservation of our marine ecosystems. Our organization is dedicated to restoring coastal environments through innovative projects like our DockLife Project and Habitat Placement Program, which focus on creating artificial reefs. By engaging local communities and educating the next generation, we aim to foster a deep respect for our oceans and enhance marine biodiversity. Together, we can create safe havens for marine life and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Become a part of our mission to protect the waters we cherish.
Ways to Get Involved...
Fishing Enthusiast? Sponsor a reef and protect the future of fishing
Own a boat? Donate it—your vessel can serve a new purpose, whether repurposed for education or sold to fund reef programs
Want to educate? Join a workshop or host a school event