OCEAN MEMORIAL REFERENCE
Ocean memorial and artificial reef statistics
A concise, cited reference for families, writers, and researchers looking for current context on Florida artificial reefs, ocean placement, and reef habitat.
Last updated October 22, 2026. Each figure below links to the primary public source that supports it. Ocean rules and project conditions can vary by location, so this page is a starting point for research, not legal advice.
planned public artificial reefs off Florida
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that more than 4,548 planned public artificial reefs have been placed in Florida state and federal waters since the 1940s.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, current program pagedistributed for Florida artificial reef activity
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports more than $26,575,000 distributed for artificial reef construction and monitoring through its program.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, current program pagemiles of Florida oceanfront coastline in the reef-location dataset
The state’s artificial reef location dataset covers 34 of Florida’s 35 coastal counties and describes 1,357 miles of oceanfront coastline. The dataset was current through May 1, 2025.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission location dataset, May 2025of ocean fish depend on healthy coral reefs
NOAA states that about one quarter of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs for shelter, food, reproduction, or nursery habitat.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, current education resourcenautical miles from shore for cremated remains under the federal general permit
For burial at sea under the federal general permit, cremated remains must be placed at least three nautical miles from land. Permanent reef structures require their own authorized project and permitting path.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, current burial-at-sea guidancedays to notify the EPA after a burial at sea
The EPA says a burial conducted under the federal general permit must be reported to the appropriate EPA region within 30 days of the event.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, current burial-at-sea guidanceWhat these facts mean for an ocean memorial
Ocean memorials sit at the meeting point of remembrance, marine construction, and public stewardship. The figures above show the scale of Florida’s artificial reef work and the care required when anything is placed offshore. A meaningful memorial should be part of a planned project with a clear site, durable materials, and the appropriate approvals.
The federal guidance on burial at sea applies to the release of human remains. It does not turn a private structure into an approved artificial reef. The EPA specifically notes that permanent, non-decomposable structures are outside that general burial-at-sea permit. Families considering a memorial reef should ask how the project is authorized and how the placement will be documented.
For a more personal introduction to the choice, read What Is a Memorial Reef? or visit Memorial Reefs for planning guidance.
Methodology
This reference uses public information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Statistics are included only when the source names the figure and provides a clear publication or data date. Florida reef counts can change as new public reefs are placed, so the source date is shown where available.
Cite this page
Reef Builders International, Corp. “Ocean Memorial and Artificial Reef Statistics.” Updated October 22, 2026. https://reefbuildersinternational.com/ocean-memorial-statistics
Primary sources
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Artificial Reefs, accessed October 22, 2026.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Artificial Reef Locations in Florida, data through May 1, 2025.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coral Reef Ecosystems, accessed October 22, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Burial at Sea, accessed October 22, 2026.