About
Marine TREES is developing a new type of nature-based artificial reef
built from trees.
Across the world, many coastal and seabed ecosystems have lost the natural structures that once supported marine life. Reefs, submerged forests, and complex seabed habitats historically provided shelter, feeding grounds, and breeding areas for fish and invertebrates. Without these structures, biodiversity declines and marine ecosystems become less productive.
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Marine TREES aims to restore this lost complexity using a simple and natural solution: trees.
By placing sustainably sourced trees on the seabed, we create reef structures that mimic the natural habitats once found in many marine environments. These tree-based reefs provide shelter for fish and shellfish, surfaces for marine organisms to attach to, and complex structures that attract marine life.
Over time the wood gradually breaks down, releasing nutrients into the surrounding ecosystem while supporting developing marine communities. This makes Marine TREES a fully biodegradable and nature-based alternative to traditional artificial reef materials.
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Why Trees?
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Trees have played an irreplaceable role in aquatic ecosystems for hundreds of millions of years. In rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, fallen trees historically created complex habitat. These structures increased biodiversity by providing shelter, feeding areas, and nursery habitats for many species. However, human-induced landscape change has greatly reduced the flow of wood to the sea and its numerous benefits and ecological services.
Marine TREES applies this natural ecological principle to modern marine restoration.
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What We Do
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Marine TREES works with researchers, environmental organisations, and marine industries to design and deploy tree-based reef structures that:
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Restore marine habitat
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Increase biodiversity
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Support fisheries and aquaculture
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Enhance ecosystem resilience
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Provide nature-based solutions for marine infrastructure projects
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A Nature-Based Approach to Ocean Restoration
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As interest grows in nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration, Marine TREES offer a simple and scalable way to rebuild marine habitats using natural materials. By combining ecological research, practical deployment methods, and sustainable materials, we aim to contribute to healthier and more productive oceans.
Jon Dickson BSc, MRM, PhD
Owner & Operator
Prior to arriving in the marine restoration sector, Jon worked as a forest fire fighter in Canada as well as a polar guide in Antarctica and the Arctic. When he was not fighting fires or driving boats between icebergs, he enjoyed backpacking along remote Canadian and Icelandic coastlines where he marvelled at the prevalence of driftwood in all shapes and sizes. This lead him to invent a new type of reef using historically present wood.