Drifting Bloom: A Biodegradable Buoy System for Sustainable

Drifting Bloom is a modular buoy system designed for ecological aquaculture along the East Asian coast. Inspired by the drifting yet interconnected nature of pondweed, the system integrates biodegradable materials and solar-powered smart modules to support sustainable fishing practices and marine regeneration.

The buoy consists of two main components: a sealed solar positioning module for net identification and remote management, and a rotatable, degradable base made from compressed natural calcium materials—derived from discarded oyster shells and shellfish remains. These bases inherit the colors of their biological origins and are thermally treated to create diverse visual identities with local cultural relevance.

When aged or damaged, the bases can be directly released into the ocean, where they gradually decompose and become artificial reef substrates, providing new habitats for marine life. This closed-loop lifecycle enables the product to return to the ecosystem in a meaningful, regenerative way.

In response to the dual challenge of high material costs and increasing plastic pollution in East Asian fisheries, Drifting Bloom aims to offer a poetic yet practical solution—bridging marine sustainability with traditional aquaculture livelihoods through smart, low-impact design.