Pacific Reefs & People Initiative

Pacific Reefs & People Initiative Nonprofit, 501(c)3, Directors and Board members are not
compensated.

Focused on jobs projects for impoverished Pacific Coastal Communities supporting the preservation of reefs, creation of artificial reefs, & support of special medical cases & missions.

During mid-April, our team of divers and builders visited the Filminera, Masbate Gold Project, Colorada Marine Protected...
06/20/2026

During mid-April, our team of divers and builders visited the Filminera, Masbate Gold Project, Colorada Marine Protected Area Artificial Reef on the main island of Masbate.

We completed two long dives and engaged in valuable discussions with a neighboring artificial reef builder who has successfully established a very large-scale project.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to share notes, compare reef sizing strategies, review coral growth rates, and discuss their coral planting techniques.

This knowledge exchange has already strengthened our understanding of long-term reef development and will directly inform the next phase of our Coco Reef Domes program on Ticao Island.

And that's our newly rebuilt Chariot (salt water creates rust fast) now named "The Scuba Chariot". Will share a picture in the future with the fancy new vinyl seat covers and floor protection.

We also added a Harbor Freight special 2" receiver and a pintle hook from Lazada so we can move the concrete mixer back and forth ... in a much safer manner than before ;)

Used Grok to clean up the first image as mine are out of focus, giving credit where credit is due. It's all just 1s and...
06/19/2026

Used Grok to clean up the first image as mine are out of focus, giving credit where credit is due. It's all just 1s and Zeros.

The anchovies were thick on this dive.
06/18/2026

The anchovies were thick on this dive.

This is really good news. When it enters the ocean it ends up in smaller communities that do not have the resources to ...
06/18/2026

This is really good news.

When it enters the ocean it ends up in smaller communities that do not have the resources to deal with it.

06/17/2026

🌊 Dusk Dive Surprise: Lionfish Feast on the Reef! 🦁🐟

We dropped in at dusk and found two large Lionfish enjoying a feast of anchovies that had most likely “bloomed” around our artificial reef structures.

The lionfish barely noticed us — they were so focused on eating that I’m pretty sure their stomachs were full!

It’s great to see predators like lionfish thriving and finding plenty of natural prey on our Coco Reef Domes and bottle reefs. This is exactly the kind of balanced food web we’re working to restore in Ticao Island waters.

🌊 Parrotfish: The Reef’s Nighttime Guardians & Algae Heroes! 🐠One of the most important “predators” on our reefs is the ...
06/16/2026

🌊 Parrotfish: The Reef’s Nighttime Guardians & Algae Heroes! 🐠

One of the most important “predators” on our reefs is the colorful Parrotfish.

At night, many parrotfish seek shelter and protection inside or around our Coco Reef Domes and other structures — tucking in safely while they rest (some even create protective mucus cocoons!). We found four domes with with four different fish on this dive.

During the day, they spend most of their time grazing on algae that would otherwise smother corals. They play a vital role in keeping the reef balanced.
If parrotfish are overharvested, algae can explode in growth, allowing destructive Crown-of-Thorns Starfish and Sea Urchins to take over and devastate the coral. Healthy parrotfish populations = healthier reefs!

Thanks to our artificial reefs, we’re seeing more of these beautiful fish using the domes for nighttime protection — a clear sign that our restoration work is creating the right habitat for balance to return.

Let’s protect our parrotfish and support sustainable fishing practices in Ticao Island waters! 💪


Sharing the blurry images because taking a picture, through a hole in the concrete, while using a handheld torch, and diving ain't that easy ;)

06/15/2026

🌊 Bottle Reef Resident: Beaded Sea Cucumber! 🐛
Spotted this during our nighttime reef check! This looks like a Beaded Sea Cucumber (possibly Euapta species), a fascinating worm-like echinoderm.

These gentle creatures are deposit feeders — they use their tentacles to sift through sand and detritus for organic matter, helping recycle nutrients on the reef. They love hiding and exploring complex structures like our bottle reefs, where they find plenty of food and shelter.

Finding them on our artificial reefs is another excellent sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Our Coco Reef Domes and bottle habitats are creating the right conditions for these important recyclers to thrive!

Nature at work in Ticao Island waters. 💪

06/14/2026

🌊 More Night Dive Wonders from Batuan Masbate Bay!

Back at the safety stop above our artificial reef, the show continued!

These are polychaete worms (bristle worms) releasing their reproductive epitokes — not parasites like those found in market fish. You can see them swarming and wiggling in the light beam. Watch for the larger one that drifts across like a tiny jellyfish… then explodes to broadcast its eggs or s***m into the water!

This dramatic spawning event is a beautiful sign of a healthy, productive reef ecosystem. Our Coco Reef Domes are clearly working — supporting rich marine life and the entire food web.

Grateful to witness nature’s underwater fireworks in Ticao waters! 💥🐛

06/13/2026

🌊 Night Dive Magic at Batuan Masbate Bay! ✨

During a recent safety stop at 18' above one of our artificial reefs, I turned on my light and was greeted by this incredible "underwater snowstorm"!

What you're seeing is not parasites (these are completely different from the worms sometimes found in salmon at your local big box store). These are marine polychaete worms (bristle worms) in their reproductive phase.

At certain times — often triggered by the moon — the worms release their swimming reproductive parts (called epitokes) into the water column. They swarm, wiggle, and burst to release eggs and s***m in a massive synchronized spawning event. It's a natural, beautiful, and vital part of a healthy reef ecosystem!

This is exactly what we hope to see around our Coco Reef Domes and other structures — rich biodiversity and a thriving food web that supports fish, corals, and the entire marine community.

Moments like this remind us why reef restoration matters. Our artificial reefs aren't just concrete and coconut fiber — they're becoming vibrant habitats teeming with life!

What an amazing night in Ticao Island waters. More proof that the Pacific Reefs & People Initiative is making a real difference. 💪🐠

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Linn Creek, MO
65052

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+15738365342

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