Neptune Memorial Reef

Neptune Memorial Reef
The underwater gates of the mausoleum.

The Neptune Memorial Reef also known as the Atlantis Memorial Reef or the Atlantis Reef[1] is an underwater mausoleum for cremated remains and the world's largest man-made reef (covering over 600,000 square feet (56,000 m²) of ocean floor). The place was chosen at 3.25 miles (either 6.0 km or 5.2 km) off the coast of Key Biscayne, Florida. It is a type of burial at sea and the first phase is estimated to be able to accommodate 850 remains,[2] with an eventual goal of more than 125,000 remains.[3]

The man-made reef, located three miles (5 km) off the coast of Florida's Key Largo, opened in 2007 after a number of difficulties, including permits. [4]

The reef stretches across 16 acres (65,000 m2) of ocean floor designed as both a home for sea life and "a destination for divers". Cremated remains are mixed into different structures and columns. [4]

References

  1. ^ "Atlantis Reef Project Announces Partnership with Neptune Society". The California Chronicle. 2007-03-09. http://www.californiachronicle.com/articles/view/21903. Retrieved 2009-03-07. 
  2. ^ Orkin Emmanuel, Lisa (2008-05-12). "Artificial Reef Near Miami Is Cemetery, Diving Attraction". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=4837294. Retrieved 2009-03-07. [dead link]
  3. ^ Orkin Emmanuel, Lisa (2008-05-12). "Watery graves offer a haven for divers". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/12/conservation.usa?gusrc=rss&feed=travel. Retrieved 2009-03-07. 
  4. ^ a b Nolin, Robert (2009-07-12). "Off Florida, a cemetery under the sea". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2009/jul/12/nation/na-cremation-reef12. Retrieved 26 November 2009. 

External links

Coordinates: 25°41.412′N 80°5.445′W / 25.6902°N 80.09075°W / 25.6902; -80.09075

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