Dead bodies are being used to create new coral reefs.

Coral

Coral

Cremated human remains are mixed with concrete and sank into the ocean as part of a new 'green burial' service designed to encourage new ecosystems for sea creatures.

US funeral firm Eternal Reefs teemed with 'reef ball' maker Reef Innovations to launch the service and the "memorial balls" can include handprints, plaques, personal items and messages from loved ones.

The service costs the same as a standard funeral and is described as a "meaningful, permanent environmental tribute to life".

The Eternal Reef website adds: "An Eternal Reef is part of a designed reef system created from individual reef balls made of environmentally safe, marine-grade concrete that quickly assimilate into the natural ocean environment.

"These permanent memorials placed on the ocean floor create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life."