Designing diving parks and enhancing marine ecosystems

The Stalis Diving Park project, which involves the sinking of 40 innovative artificial reefs in the Platia area off the coast of Stalis on the island of Crete, is a joint initiative led by the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce with local municipalities. Developed by HCMR’s spin-off ‘ARIA-Maritime’, these patented structures are designed to mimic natural habitats, attract marine life, and boost marine biodiversity. Furthermore, to protect the seabed, preserve water clarity, maintain marine biodiversity, and support park sustainability, the artificial reefs are installed exclusively on sandy seabeds to avoid harming sensitive Posidonia meadows. The reefs are arranged in seven clusters to form two new diving routes, offering renewed interest for divers. The park also features mooring and markings for boats, while advanced monitoring equipment supports scientific research and park management.

By combining these features, this project revitalises marine ecosystems and promotes sustainable diving tourism, as well as transforming the area into a hub for the attraction and reproduction of diverse marine species and the revival of biodiversity. In summer 2025, the Stalis Diving Park will be available for free trial use by diving centres while this new ecotourism activity undergoes further development.