Eternal Reefs, Sea Funerals

I was reading through Branwen's blog and came across her post about sea burials. I searched around the site she had posted and it actually looks pretty cool. Eternal Reefs was created after two college roommates realized the massive destruction of underwater habitats which was (and still is) prevalent off the Florida Keys coastline. Basically, Eternal Reefs objective is to create new host environment for aquatic life. They developed an environmentally friendly cement mixture which is mixed with cremation ashes and moulded into a "pearl" shaped base reef. Family members are then able to make designs, put hand prints, place shells, etc in the drying cement to leave a lasting mark for their deceased loved one. This is then placed in an assigned reef destination where it is left to stimulate reef growth. Family members are encouraged to take the 'Family Boat' to watch the placement, as well as take part in a reef ceremony for their bereaved. What I love about this form of 'burial' and, judging on peoples testimonies, other people love about this too, is that although a person(s) (or pet) has died, they are being placed in an extremely stimulating environment, which may concur with a persons afterlife beliefs, whatever they may be. I think its brilliant that they are creating habitats to encourage life, while including cremation remains; it's a nice life cycle if you ask me.

Surprisingly, this water burial is not that expensive. Of course, the remains have to have been cremated beforehand, so that has to be kept in mind, but compared to a grave plot and coffin, it isn't terrible. Prices range from $2,995 for the most modest 'Sea Oats Memorial Reef' area, to $6,995 for the larger 'Mariner Memorial Reef'. Many reefs are placed in American waters, but there is also options in Acapulco and Cancun, and it has also caught on in other places around the globe.
Hey, I've been saying for years that I want to be buried at sea. Apparently they frown upon throwing bodies into the ocean these days.. maybe this would be a good option for the future? Pretty cool. Plus, look how nice the reefs look once they are established!