How Does Artificial Reef Construction Work?
Coral reefs are essential to many people and places. They protect shorelines, are a habitat to a wide variety of sea-life, and are a relied on as a source of income for many in the fishing and tourism industries. Due to climate change, these reefs are disappearing faster than they are repopulating. So, in an effort to promote growth, humans have taken to building artificial reef structures to provide coral with a habitable place to live. Artificial reefs can vary widely, from an accidental sunken ship to highly-specialized sets of interlocking structures. So, what makes for the best habitat for corals?
The reason a shipwreck works because it is steady and large. However, there can potentially be small and unsecured parts of these wrecks, and materials which are toxic to corals. So, taking what works from this example, scientists have developed a system of interlocking spheres, ranging in material from cement to glass. These structures can grow to be huge, and the larger it is the more stable it becomes.
The Nature Foundation is dedicated to funding and creating these sustainable structures with which to protect our coral life under the sea.
