Top 15 Most Valuable and Fascinating Underwater Discoveries
13. Neptune Memorial Reef
Estimated Value Today: $1.5 million*
Year Disappeared: N/A
Year Discovered: 2012
The Neptune Memorial Reef, created by Gary Levine and Kim Brandell, represents a remarkable fusion of art, memorialization, and marine conservation, with a construction cost of approximately $1.5 million. This underwater columbarium serves as a resting place for urns, providing a unique and serene environment for remembrance.
Spanning about 600,000 square feet of the ocean floor and situated forty feet below the surface, the Neptune Memorial Reef is recognized as the largest man-made reef in the world. It not only honors those who have passed but also promotes marine life by creating a habitat that fosters biodiversity.
Neptune Memorial Reef, Solaria/YouTube
The Neptune Memorial Reef underwent an extensive permitting process to ensure it was environmentally friendly and capable of withstanding severe storms. After thorough evaluations, the project received approval, leading to the establishment of this impressive sixteen-acre reef.
Today, the Reef serves as a thriving haven for marine life and divers alike, attracting those eager to explore its underwater beauty. Among its notable inhabitants is Julia Child, the renowned chef and author, who was interred there in 2004, adding a touch of celebrity to this unique memorial.
