Why do we need to protect and restore reefs?

The coral reefs in our oceans support approximately a quarter of all known marine life by providing food, habitats, and safe nursery spaces. Coral reefs are a vital part of our marine ecosystem, without which, the ecological balance of our planet would collapse, impacting each ecosystem that currently exists for the worst.

Climate change, destructive and irresponsible fishing methods, coastal development, and unnecessary invasive structures like the 2024 Paris Olympic Tower at Teahupo’o - all contribute to destroying coral reefs that have taken hundreds of years to evolve into the essential and beautiful sights they are today.

This is why we need to protect and restore our coral reefs - to safeguard the natural environmental balance of the world to ensure the sustainability and longevity of humans and the environment for generations to come.

What is an artificial reef?

An artificial reef is a human-made structure that is placed on the sea floor to enhance and improve marine ecosystems and habitats. This is done by providing a stable and healthy substrate for which new coral life can bind onto and grow sustainably. This can come in the form of Biorocks, specially designed frames, or purposely sunken wrecks. These typically come hand-in-hand with reef restoration activities including coral nurseries and coral propagation work.

The final structures that are placed in the ocean ready for corals to bind onto are designed to mimic the purpose of the natural surrounding reef, or the reef that once was.

Why is it a positive innovation?

Artificial reefs have been proven to enhance biodiversity. They are artificial by nature, whereby the base of coral structures are manufactured, however, the results of flourishing coral gardens, and returning and thriving fish species are natural responses to a healthy coral reef ecosystem.

By increasing biodiversity and contributing to the intrinsic value of nature, artificial reefs also contribute to sustainable fisheries management by increasing fish populations, aid in protection from coastal erosion as coral reefs can break wave action, and contribute to the tourism economy as they can provide snorkelling and diving related opportunities and activities.

Though artificial reefs have the power to revive ocean dead zones and bring back life to places that have lost it, it is also essential to intricately plan these projects, monitor, and continue studies over time as the marine ecosystem is a delicate environment to tamper with. This is why integrative and holistic reef management focussing not only on creating these artificial reefs, but also on coral research and solving the issues that threaten it in the first place are essential components of reef restoration and marine conservation.

What makes a good artificial reef?

A sustainable and environmentally beneficial artificial reef has to be stable in large storms and wave power, made from long-lasting, solid, non-toxic materials, have a high surface substrate complexity so that corals and other reef organisms can easily bind, and be structurally complex to mimic the tunnels and crevices of natural reefs.

There are constantly new methods being researched and innovated for constructing artificial reefs, and there is also an increasing use of art and sculpturing within the marine environment that aims to act as both artificial reefs, and also draw attention towards the importance of the ocean and the threats that it faces.

How you can help

If you’d like to read more about artificial reefs, what they do, what they are made from, and how they are being studied, you can find more information here.

You can also look up coral restoration and artificial reef projects and initiatives near you or where you plan to go on vacation! Support them by donating or by joining their volunteer programs if available!

You can also plan your dives with eco-operators that take part in coral restoration such as Blue Corner Dive in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia, or simply spread awareness by sharing this article with your friends and family! The ocean’s coral reefs will thank you for doing your part! ❃

Written by Kayli Wouters

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