Phuket Bloc - artificial reef modules

In Thailand (especially Phuket, Phi Phi, Racha), Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has deployed thousands of artificial reef structures over the years as part of long-term marine restoration programs.

These installations are typically made from reinforced concrete or steel-frame modules and are commonly known as reef frames, fish houses, or artificial habitats. They are placed in selected offshore zones, often on sandy bottoms or degraded reef areas, to support ecosystem recovery.

Their purpose is to:

• Encourage coral larvae settlement and natural reef regeneration
• Provide shelter, feeding, and breeding areas for marine life
• Reduce pressure on natural reefs by distributing diving and fishing activity
• Restore biodiversity in areas impacted by tourism, storms, or coral bleaching

Over time, these structures become heavily colonized by corals, sponges, and algae, integrating into the marine environment. After several years, they often resemble shipwrecks or ancient ruins, making them unique dive sites that blend conservation, ecology, and underwater exploration.