Reef Balls®, or Oyster Domes, are part of C.O.R.E. (Community Oyster Reef Enhancement), a program begun by Tampa Bay Watch. The oyster domes help replace and replenish oysters in some of our struggling waterways. Originally designed to rebuild coral reefs, they have been an important part of the restoration programs for years. Thousands have been placed in areas along Bayshore Boulevard, Ballast Point and around MacDill Air Force Base. They are all placed by hand, by volunteers and go along seawalls and shorelines to improve our saltwater quality and reduce erosion. The domes are made with help from students and teachers from schools in the Tampa Bay area, community groups and volunteers who really enjoy the work and the positve end result. They welcome everyone's involvement. Each ball is made of marine-friendly concrete mixed with Microsilica to balance their ph and encourage growth around it. And, it works. Plus, an added benefit which I bet the marine scientists never thought of is they look like an art project and site installation. They look amazing and have attracted people to the cool, creative results. I have a very talented and skilled photographer friend, Matt Larson (click to visit his blog), who is expert at Polaroid and toy camera photography. He has had a long career in photography and these unusual and demanding camera types make one see a little differently and work a bit harder. I recommend his work. It's outstanding. Click HERE to see his great photos of the Reef Balls along Bayshore. The Reef Balls come alive!
