Losing a beloved pet can create a profound void in the hearts of their owners. Though the thought that “all dogs go to heaven” offers some solace, many find themselves surrounded by remnants of happier times, like forgotten chew toys and an urn.

In the UK, a heartwarming initiative called Resting Reef has emerged to tackle this bittersweet reality. Founded by Aura Murillo Pérez and Louise Skajem, this innovative startup envisions a beautiful way for our cherished companions to continue their journey in a new, meaningful form.

Resting Reef provides a sustainable alternative to traditional burial practices. They embrace “a new tradition around death that truly honors life,” offering pet owners the chance to transform their beloved pets’ ashes into artificial reefs that contribute positively to marine ecosystems.

Utilizing a gentle aquamation process, which is an environmentally friendly method of cremation, they blend a pet's remains with crushed oyster shells and concrete. This mixture is then carefully crafted into reef structures that allow fish to flourish and thrive.

These newly formed reefs are placed about 10 meters deep on the seabed, where they play a vital role in enhancing marine biodiversity, filtering water, and protecting coastlines from erosion.

With their pilot program launched in Bali, Indonesia, Resting Reef has already placed 24 memorial reefs in the waters for pet owners in the U.S. and U.K. The early results are encouraging, with these reefs attracting 84 species of fish, resulting in a fish diversity that is remarkably 14 times greater than nearby degraded areas.

In just six short months, these reefs have become vibrant ecosystems, covered in coralline and turf algae, paving the way for future coral growth. This remarkable transformation is largely due to the oyster shells used in the reef’s construction, which play a crucial role in regenerating marine life. As Murillo Pérez notes, “Oyster reefs can help regenerate marine growth but 85% have been lost due to human activities.”

The calcium phosphate found in ashes acts as a natural fertilizer, supporting various species in attaching and growing on the reef's surface.

With the success of their pilot, Resting Reef is excited to expand their mission to include human remains. They’re currently working on securing licenses to restore degraded seabeds along the southern coast of England. “Just as we have a cemetery around the corner, in the future we’ll have memorial sites — marine sites — opening around the world,” Murillo Pérez said.

This venture is part of a broader movement toward eco-friendly burial practices, such as mushroom coffins and tree burial pods, which aim to lessen the environmental impact of traditional burials. The green burial industry is projected to exceed $1 billion by 2030.

Traditional cremation typically releases around 500 pounds of carbon dioxide per person. In contrast, Resting Reef’s aquamation process has a significantly smaller carbon footprint, with its end result enriching the ocean, which is known to store carbon even more effectively than trees.

Resting Reef currently offers two designs for their artificial reefs: a ribbed structure perfect for oysters and another full of crevices and tunnels ideal for various fish species. Prices start at £350 (approximately $475 USD) and can reach up to £2,250 (around $3,050 USD), depending on the level of personalization desired. These prices are part of an early-bird offer, making this a wonderful opportunity for those seeking a heartfelt tribute.

For many, the true value of this service lies in the peace of mind it brings, knowing that their loved ones—whether furry friends or otherwise—are honored in a manner that contributes to the greater good.

“I feel at ease knowing that his ashes will be doing a really good thing,” shared Lisa C., a horse owner who utilized Resting Reef’s service.

In addition to creating a lasting memorial, Resting Reef offers a private ceremony for families before or after the reef is immersed in the ocean. This allows loved ones to process their grief, find closure, and connect with one another. During the ceremony, the team leads guided meditations and nature-inspired rituals, inviting participants to share cherished memories.

As one participant beautifully expressed, “I’ve learned that grief and renewal are deeply connected—not just emotionally, but in a tangible, environmental way.” They emphasized how loss can transform into something life-affirming, and how meaningful traditions can provide comfort.

Resting Reef embodies a vision of hope, turning grief into a celebration of life, and creating a lasting impact on both people and the planet.