Virtual Reefscapes: Modeling Fish Abundance on Artificial and Natural Reefs in Broward County
Abstract
This project involved constructing a VR simulation of fish abundance on artificial and natural reefs in Broward County. Two environments, SS Tracey, and a section of the Florida Reef Tract, were created to highlight ecological differences between artificial and natural reef habitats. All environments and species models were designed in Blender, a 3D modeling software, and each fish species was animated to showcase naturalistic behavior. The completed assets were then assembled in VR using the Open Brush application. This project integrates art, technology, and ecology to make marine environments more accessible and engaging for a wide audience. A combination of hand-painted textures and image-based references was used to create a partially stylized, yet biologically informed visual experience. The simulation demonstrates the potential of VR as a tool for education, conservation awareness, and creative exploration. In addition to showcasing reef differences, the project explores how immersive technology can help bridge the gap between scientific data and public understanding. Many individuals may never experience South Florida's reefs firsthand, and VR provides an opportunity to visual species behavior, structural complexity, and ecological interactions in a way traditional media cannot. This immersive approach can support classroom learning, enhance outreach programs, and foster a stronger emotional connection to marine conservation. The ability to replicate natural environments in VR offers broad applications, including art therapy, video game design, ecological education, and public engagement. These experiences can encourage conservation, provide accessible marine science learning opportunities, and inspire future research into virtual ecosystem modeling.
Project Type
Event
Start Date
4-1-2026 12:00 AM
Virtual Reefscapes: Modeling Fish Abundance on Artificial and Natural Reefs in Broward County
This project involved constructing a VR simulation of fish abundance on artificial and natural reefs in Broward County. Two environments, SS Tracey, and a section of the Florida Reef Tract, were created to highlight ecological differences between artificial and natural reef habitats. All environments and species models were designed in Blender, a 3D modeling software, and each fish species was animated to showcase naturalistic behavior. The completed assets were then assembled in VR using the Open Brush application. This project integrates art, technology, and ecology to make marine environments more accessible and engaging for a wide audience. A combination of hand-painted textures and image-based references was used to create a partially stylized, yet biologically informed visual experience. The simulation demonstrates the potential of VR as a tool for education, conservation awareness, and creative exploration. In addition to showcasing reef differences, the project explores how immersive technology can help bridge the gap between scientific data and public understanding. Many individuals may never experience South Florida's reefs firsthand, and VR provides an opportunity to visual species behavior, structural complexity, and ecological interactions in a way traditional media cannot. This immersive approach can support classroom learning, enhance outreach programs, and foster a stronger emotional connection to marine conservation. The ability to replicate natural environments in VR offers broad applications, including art therapy, video game design, ecological education, and public engagement. These experiences can encourage conservation, provide accessible marine science learning opportunities, and inspire future research into virtual ecosystem modeling.
