At Natrx, we believe that innovation and nature-based solutions can work hand in hand to restore and protect our coastlines. That’s why we’re honored to be a part of REEFrame, a groundbreaking coral reef restoration project off Waikīkī Beach, Hawai‘i.

Led by Conservation International Hawai‘i and supported by a $9M grant from NOAA, REEFrame is an ambitious initiative designed to restore degraded coral reefs, enhance marine biodiversity, and strengthen coastal resilience in one of the world’s most iconic locations. Through cutting-edge engineering, community collaboration, and respect for Indigenous stewardship, REEFrame represents a powerful step forward in ocean restoration.

Why Waikīkī?

Once a thriving marine ecosystem, the coral reefs of Waikīkī have suffered severe degradation due to urbanization, pollution, climate change, and rising ocean temperatures. Healthy reefs play a vital role in protecting coastlines, providing habitat for marine life, and supporting local communities. Without intervention, these fragile ecosystems face further decline.

REEFrame aims to reverse this trend by building two permanent coral nurseries on the seafloor, about three-quarters of a mile offshore. These structures, constructed from innovative 3D-printed reef modules, will create a foundation for coral growth while attracting essential marine species like parrotfish that help maintain a healthy reef ecosystem.

How Natrx is Contributing

Natrx specializes in adaptive infrastructure solutions that blend technology with nature to enhance coastal resilience. For REEFrame, we’re bringing our advanced DryForming™ technology, a sustainable 3D printing method that creates complex reef structures out of natural materials. These modules are designed to:

  • Mimic natural reef formations, providing ideal habitats for coral and marine life
  • Support "corals of opportunity," which are living coral fragments salvaged from disturbances and nurtured in the nurseries
  • Encourage natural coral settlement, gradually transforming into thriving reef ecosystems
  • Withstand extreme ocean conditions, ensuring long-term stability and resilience

By leveraging this technology, we’re proud to help accelerate coral restoration and showcase how science and engineering can work together to rebuild our natural world.

A Collaborative Effort

REEFrame is a testament to what’s possible when diverse expertise comes together with a shared vision. Alongside Natrx, this project brings together:

  • Conservation International Hawai‘i – Leading project coordination and community engagement
  • University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa – Providing scientific leadership in coral restoration
  • Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources – Ensuring regulatory compliance and conservation strategy
  • Oceanit – Delivering marine engineering expertise
  • ClimbHI – Engaging local communities and workforce development initiatives
  • NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation – Supporting technical and environmental compliance

Restoration Rooted in Culture and Community

Beyond its ecological impact, REEFrame is deeply connected to the cultural heritage and traditions of Hawai‘i. The project embraces the Hawaiian value of kuleana (responsibility) and follows the guiding principle e hāpai wa‘a kākou—"if we all help to lift and carry the canoe, we can move it forward." By integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern science, REEFrame ensures that restoration efforts honor the past while securing the future of Hawai‘i’s ocean resources.

Looking Ahead

The REEFrame project is set to run through 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2025 following environmental studies and permitting. Once deployed, the reef nurseries will become a permanent, self-sustaining habitat—a living example of what’s possible when technology, conservation, and community come together.

At Natrx, we’re proud to bring our expertise to this transformative initiative. Seeing our work extend from the coasts of North Carolina and Louisiana all the way to Hawai‘i underscores the power of scalable, nature-based solutions.

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on this incredible journey. Together, we’re helping to restore reefs, protect coastlines, and build a more resilient future for our oceans.

➡️ Learn more about REEFrame at reeframehi.org