ABOUT US

Who We Are

Gator Dock Works is an environmental solutions company committed to restoring and revitalizing waterfront ecosystems through innovative, sustainable marine technologies. Based in Florida, where water is not only part of our environment but our identity, we have made it our mission to develop and deliver products that clean, protect, and enrich our aquatic surroundings.


From private docks to public marinas, our products help transform degraded or stagnant waterways into vibrant habitats full of life. We serve waterfront homeowners, developers, municipalities, and marine contractors who care about the health of their waters—and the legacy they leave behind.

Our Mission

To bring life back to the water.

We are passionate about creating real-world solutions that bridge the gap between environmental restoration and waterfront living. Whether it’s enhancing marine biodiversity, improving water clarity, or preventing structural decay in docks and pilings, we’re here to make an impact that lasts.

At Gator Dock Works, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. We believe every dock can do more than just serve as a boat landing. It can be a hub of marine life, a purifier of water, and a protector of our coastlines.

Our Story

The roots of Gator Dock Works trace back to a simple but powerful observation: Florida’s coastal ecosystems were changing—and not for the better. With increasing urban development and marine infrastructure, natural nurseries for fish and shellfish were disappearing, water clarity was declining, and marine life was struggling to survive.

We set out to reverse that trend. By working with marine biologists, engineers, and waterfront property owners, we began developing products like the Gator Dock Habitat, which replicates the natural habitats lost to shoreline hardening. As we expanded, so did our innovation—leading to the integration of Nanobubble technology, Piling Wraps, and Underwater Lighting into our ecosystem of solutions.

Every product is tested in real-world conditions. Every installation brings us closer to cleaner water and a healthier planet.

The Development of the Gator Dock Habitat by Gator Dock Works

The Gator Dock Habitat began as a vision to restore marine ecosystems lost to coastal development. Its roots date back to the 1950s–1990s, when marine biologists, including researchers from the University of Florida, explored artificial nursery habitats.

In the early 1990s, environmental pioneers Mike Calinski and David Wolff, through The Marine Habitat Foundation on Sanibel Island, developed early prototypes that mimicked mangrove root systems. They combined hands-on habitat creation with local education and outreach.


This effort continued into the late 1990s at the Naples Aquarium, where research focused on species behavior and water quality. Though the aquarium eventually closed, this work laid the foundation for future innovation.


In the early 2010s, Dr. David Wolff founded Ocean Habitats Inc., determined to revive the concept. Inspired by the loss of Florida’s natural mangroves, he designed the Gator Dock Habitat to reintroduce essential marine habitats under man-made docks.

Following extensive research and over 100 design iterations, the first Gator Dock Habitat pilot launched in 2015 on Marco Island, showing significant ecological benefits. From 2016 to 2018, refinements were made to boost durability, water filtration, and biodiversity impact.

By 2019, Gator Dock Works and Ocean Habitats expanded outreach, offering educational workshops and launching the larger Gator Dock Habitat.

Today, the Gator Dock Habitat—produced by Gator Dock Works and nonprofit Eco Homies Inc.—has evolved into a widely adopted environmental solution, with thousands of units helping improve water quality and restore biodiversity across coastal communities.

PRODUCTS

NANOBUBBLE TECHNOLOGY

Harnessing The Power Of Oxygen

To Clean Your Waterways

Gator Dock Works is excited to announce a groundbreaking leap in water quality management with the introduction of their nanobubble technology, powered by Moleaer.

This innovative approach promises to transform marinas, canal systems, and other water bodies into vibrant, sparkling havens where marine life thrives amidst crystal-clear waters.

Imagine your marina or canal system transformed into a vibrant, sparkling oasis where fish thrive, water clarity dazzles, and the air is free from the stench of algae.

Gator Dock Habitat

Filtering 30,000 And 70,000 Gallons

Per Day Respectively

Check out our Habitats which come in two sizes. They are innovative under-dock habitat systems that replicate the natural environment of mangrove prop roots and salt water marsh plants, significantly boosting nursery habitat and aquatic life where it's most needed.

By installing these structures under existing docks, Gator Dock Works aims to bring back the micro-ecosystems that were lost to coastal development over the decades, particularly since the 1950s and 1960s.

PILING WRAPS & SNAP JACKETS

Extend The Life Of Your Dock Today!

Piling Wrap protects your dock pilings from sea life growing on the piling which eventually causes structural damage. The wrap offers great protection to extend the life of the wood and avoid costly replacement.

Our snap jackets can extend the life of your piling by encasing it with a durable vinyl jacket filled with concrete. This method ensures long-lasting protection and structural integrity for your marine pilings.

UNDERWATER LIGHTING

Light Up The Night With Our Best In Class Lighting Plus Maintenance.

Our underwater lights reflect all of the available light towards the surface creating a much brighter glow than other underwater lights. Depending on water clarity and depth, our lights can illuminate a diameter of up to 30 feet! Its time to light up your dock today!

Our lights can withstand prop wash, wave action and even impact from cast nets. They are the toughest and lowest profile lights available. Gator Dock Work's Lights are not only the toughest lights in the industry, they are brightest, easy to install and are well known for attracting fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About How Gator Dock Habitat Protects and Restores Our Waterways

What is Gator Dock Habitat?

Gator Dock Habitat is a division of Gator Dock Works, dedicated to restoring and revitalizing waterfront ecosystems through sustainable and innovative marine technologies. Our mission is to protect and enhance aquatic environments, particularly in Florida and similar water-rich regions.

What types of products or solutions do you offer?

We provide a range of innovative environmental solutions such as eco-conscious docks and walkways, shoreline restoration systems, floating wetlands, and habitat-enhancing structures. Our products are carefully engineered to support the natural environment while meeting the practical needs of our clients.

How are your products environmentally sustainable?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our products are built using environmentally friendly materials and techniques that reduce impact during installation, support native wildlife, improve water quality, and combat erosion. Every solution is designed to work with nature, not against it.

Who can benefit from Gator Dock Habitat solutions?

Our services are ideal for waterfront homeowners, marina and dock operators, local governments, conservation organizations, and developers who are seeking sustainable, long-lasting waterfront solutions. Whether for residential or commercial use, our products are designed to enhance both functionality and environmental value.

Do you provide custom design or consultation?

Yes, we offer personalized consultation and design services for every project. Our team works closely with you to understand your site conditions, environmental concerns, and project goals, ensuring that the final solution is both effective and ecologically responsible.

How do I get started with a project?

Getting started is easy. You can contact us directly through our website or give us a call. We’ll set up a consultation to learn more about your needs and guide you through the next steps, from planning and design to implementation.

Why choose Gator Dock Works?

Choosing Gator Dock Works means choosing a partner that values both performance and preservation. With a deep understanding of marine environments and a commitment to innovation, we deliver solutions that serve communities and ecosystems alike. Our goal is to create healthier, more resilient waterfronts for generations to come.

Join Our Mission

When you choose Gator Dock Works, you're not just enhancing your property—you’re becoming a steward of our planet's waters.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make your dock more sustainable, or a municipality aiming to improve public water access, we’re here to help. Our team will guide you from consultation to installation and support you every step of the way.


Clean water. Thriving marine life. Stronger infrastructure. That’s the Gator Dock Works promise.

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Innovation

Fresh, creative solutions.

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Integrity

Honesty and transparency.

Excellence

Excellence

Top-notch services.

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