Our Purpose

The EcoReef Project is a grassroots initiative committed to restoring aquatic ecosystems through modular, low-cost, and replicable solutions. We believe clean water is a universal right, and that anyone—regardless of location, income, or technical background—should be able to build and operate EcoReefs at no cost.

Our systems are designed to:

• Protect fish breeding grounds
• Prevent plastic pollution
• Control soil erosion
• Rehabilitate degraded waterways
• Regreen arid land through land-based EcoReefs

We operate with limited resources and testing space, but our methodology is clear: Shrink → Re-think → Test → Upsize We miniaturize the problem and prototype solutions at table-top scale, rethink each component with fresh eyes, test rigorously, and then scale up for real-world deployment—especially in communities that need it most but can afford it least.

Our Origins

EcoReef began as a response to a simple but urgent question: How can we restore aquatic environments without relying on expensive infrastructure or institutional gatekeeping?

Founder Mike Fernandes, with a career spanning over 50 years in creative marketing, advertising, and photography, saw an opportunity to merge storytelling, design, and environmental engineering into a single, accessible system. What started as a backyard experiment has evolved into a scalable model for environmental restoration.

Our Design Philosophy

EcoReefs are built from three key materials:

• Timber, which floats and can be shaped to form buoyant structures
• Rocks and rubble, which stabilize and anchor systems
• Recycled plastics, which are repurposed to filter, protect, and reinforce

These elements are combined into modular units that:

• Filter water naturally
• Stabilize sediment
• Create habitat for aquatic life
• Reduce the impact of human waste and industrial runoff

The design is intentionally simple, allowing users to build EcoReefs with locally available materials and minimal training.

Meet the Founding Team

Mike Fernandes – Founder & Visionary

With over five decades in creative industries, Mike has worked with some of Australia’s most influential institutions, including the Commonwealth Bank. His deep experience in storytelling and brand strategy fuels the EcoReef Project’s outreach and impact. Mike’s vision is rooted in accessibility: a system that anyone can build and operate, without financial or technical barriers. Learn more: MikeFernandes.com | GenesisPromotions.com.au

Daphne Fernandes – Operations Lead & Botanical Innovator

Daphne brings decades of high-level administrative expertise, having served as Executive Assistant to both the Assistant Commissioner of Police NSW and the Premier of NSW. She is also pioneering a land-based EcoReef system using Kokedama gardening techniques to regreen arid landscapes.

B Fernandes – Logistics Specialist & Cultural Communicator

B Fernandes background in freight forwarding and logistics gives EcoReef its operational backbone. After a long battle with illness, Ben transitioned into environmental storytelling. He now leads our blog at EcoReef.co, using pop culture to make environmentalism relatable and engaging.

Community Impact

EcoReefs are designed to be deployed by everyday citizens, educators, councils, and community groups. Our systems have been used in:

• School-based environmental education programs
• Local council pilot projects
• Backyard and riverbank restoration efforts
• Informal citizen science initiatives

We’ve seen firsthand how small-scale interventions can lead to large-scale awareness and change.

Partnerships & Collaboration

We actively seek collaboration with:

• Local councils and environmental departments
• Schools and universities
• Indigenous communities and cultural custodians
• NGOs and grassroots organizations
• Scientists and engineers interested in low-tech innovation

Our goal is to co-create solutions that are culturally respectful, scientifically sound, and socially inclusive.

Our Methodology: Shrink → Re-think → Test → Upsize

Phase	Description
Shrink	Reduce the problem and prototype to table-top scale for rapid iteration
Re-think	Challenge assumptions, rework materials, and explore unconventional methods
Test	Trial systems in controlled environments with limited resources
Upsize	Deploy full-scale systems in real-world settings for community use

This iterative model allows us to move fast, learn deeply, and adapt continuously.

Looking Ahead

Our next phase includes:

• Expanding EcoReef testing across diverse ecosystems—rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal zones
• Developing a downloadable toolkit for schools and councils
• Launching a feedback portal for users to share results, modifications, and local adaptations
• Exploring certification pathways for EcoReef deployment in regulated environments
• Continuing to refine our land-based Kokedama EcoReef systems for arid zone restoration

We’re committed to evolving the project based on real-world feedback and scientific insight.

Get Involved

We’re a small team with a big mission. Whether you’re a scientist, educator, council member, or concerned citizen, we welcome your input, collaboration, and curiosity.

Contact us directly with questions, ideas, or partnership proposals. We’re here to support your own EcoReef journey.