The Artificial Reefs: Hidden Structures That Make Oceans Better

• November 6, 2024

Artificial reefs, as the name suggests, are human-made structures intentionally placed in aquatic environments, typically on the seafloor or submerged in bodies of water. The primary purpose of these reefs is to enhance and support marine habitats. Through careful design and material selection, artificial reefs mimic the characteristics of natural reefs, offering shelter, food sources, and breeding grounds for various marine organisms.

At PHAROS Project, Underwater Gardens International, that is part of our Consortium will leverage its advanced technology, including Smart Enhanced Reefs (SER®), which are innovative artificial structures designed with specific protocols based on parametric intelligence (reefhopper®). These structures are constructed from a blend of calcium carbonate, biomaterials, and cement, optimizing the interaction between the new hard-bottom structures and sea currents. By doing so, they increase the retention of organic particles, improve light distribution, and enhance organic matter availability.

Additionally, these artificial reefs will allow for human intervention through active gardening plans, contributing to the ecosystem’s restoration. UGI will employ self-learning, iterative algorithms that analyze and adapt to the behavior of the ecosystem. This multi-layered, reflexive system can accommodate both simple and complex programmatic requirements, ensuring the reefs’ adaptability and long-term success.

But how exactly do artificial reefs work? These structures serve multiple ecological functions, much like their natural counterparts. They provide a space for fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and plants to thrive, creating a vibrant and biodiverse marine ecosystem. The materials used in constructing artificial reefs range from concrete and steel to decommissioned ships, sunken objects, and specially designed reef modules, all of which encourage the attachment of marine life.

How The Artificial Reefs Make Oceans Better?

Artificial reefs have gained significant attention due to their ability to restore damaged marine habitats, improve biodiversity, and support fisheries management. But what are the main goals behind the creation of these artificial structures?

Marine Habitat Restoration

Many natural underwater ecosystems, such as coral reefs, have been severely impacted by human activities like pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Artificial reefs are strategically placed in areas where natural habitats have been lost or degraded, helping to restore marine ecosystems and providing a fresh home for marine species.

Enhancement of Biodiversity

Artificial reefs can attract a wide array of marine life, from tiny organisms to large fish species. In regions where natural reefs have been heavily impacted, these man-made structures provide an essential refuge for marine organisms, increasing biodiversity and contributing to a healthier marine ecosystem.

Fisheries Management

Did you know that artificial reefs can help regulate fish populations? These structures act as “fish aggregation devices” (FADs), drawing fish into specific areas, which makes them easier to locate and harvest. This, in turn, reduces the fishing pressure on natural fish populations and supports sustainable fisheries management.

Coastal Protection and Erosion Control

Artificial reefs are often deployed near shorelines to provide protection against coastal erosion. By breaking up the force of incoming waves, these reefs act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of storm surges and protecting coastal infrastructure.

Recreational Opportunities

Beyond their environmental benefits, artificial reefs also provide recreational opportunities for scuba divers, snorkelers, and tourists. By creating vibrant underwater ecosystems, these reefs attract marine enthusiasts, contributing to local tourism and boosting economies in coastal areas.

However, as beneficial as artificial reefs can be, their design and implementation must be carried out with caution. What are the best practices to ensure that artificial reefs deliver their promised benefits?

Best Practices for Designing and Implementing Artificial Reefs

Creating an effective artificial reef requires careful planning, scientific knowledge, and adherence to environmental and regulatory guidelines. To ensure that these structures offer maximum benefits without disrupting the surrounding marine environment, several key factors must be considered during the design and implementation process.

Selection of Appropriate Materials

One of the most important factors in artificial reef construction is choosing the right materials. These should be durable, non-toxic, and able to withstand harsh marine conditions. Materials like concrete, steel, and other environmentally safe compounds are commonly used for their stability and suitability for supporting marine growth. However, it’s essential to avoid using materials that could release harmful substances into the water or disrupt marine life. For example, using decommissioned ships, while beneficial for creating complex reef structures, must be carefully cleaned of hazardous materials before sinking.

Location and Depth Considerations

The placement of artificial reefs is crucial to their success. The selected site should be in a location where it can attract marine life while minimizing potential conflicts with other human activities, such as shipping lanes or commercial fishing zones. Depth is also a significant factor—reefs placed too deep may not receive adequate sunlight for the growth of marine plants like algae, while reefs that are too shallow may be exposed to physical damage from storms or human activities.

Design for Biodiversity

The physical design of artificial reefs plays a significant role in supporting diverse marine life. Reef structures should be designed to mimic the complexity of natural reefs by providing varied surfaces for organisms to cling to and spaces for shelter. The structures can range from large, vertical towers to more intricate, modular designs that create multiple habitats within the same reef. The complexity and surface area of the reef will determine how many species can be supported, with a higher surface area generally leading to greater biodiversity.

Environmental Monitoring and Adaptive Management

The success of artificial reefs is not guaranteed from the start. Continuous monitoring of the reef’s ecological impact is necessary to assess its effectiveness and identify any unintended consequences. This could involve tracking species populations, water quality, and the overall health of the ecosystem. Adaptive management strategies should be implemented to adjust reef designs or locations if problems arise, such as negative impacts on nearby habitats or species.

Collaboration with Local Communities and Stakeholders

Successful artificial reef projects often involve collaboration with local stakeholders, including marine scientists, fisheries, government agencies, and the surrounding communities. Involving these groups in the planning, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of the project ensures that the reef meets environmental, social, and economic goals. Community engagement also helps to raise awareness about the importance of these structures and encourages responsible behavior, such as proper fishing practices around the reef.

Long-Term Sustainability

Artificial reefs must be designed with long-term sustainability in mind. This means considering the reef’s life cycle and how it will evolve over time. Some reefs are designed to be “self-sustaining,” meaning they will eventually support their own ecosystems without human intervention. This requires selecting materials and designs that will continue to foster marine life for many years, even decades, after their initial installation.

Potential Challenges and Risks of Artificial Reefs

While artificial reefs offer numerous benefits, they are not without their challenges. Proper planning and execution are key to avoiding potential issues that could undermine their effectiveness.

Unintended Ecosystem Changes: Introducing artificial reefs to an area can cause changes in local ecosystems, both positive and negative. For example, certain species may flourish on the new reef, while others may be displaced or struggle to survive. Additionally, artificial reefs can sometimes attract invasive species that may outcompete native organisms, creating an imbalance in the local ecosystem.

Maintenance and Monitoring Costs: While artificial reefs can be low-maintenance in the long term, they require significant investment upfront and periodic monitoring. The costs associated with monitoring and maintaining reefs, especially large-scale projects, can be substantial. It’s important for governments and organizations to plan for these ongoing costs to ensure the long-term success of reef projects.

Environmental Impact of Reef Placement: The location of artificial reefs must be carefully considered to avoid damage to sensitive ecosystems such as seagrass beds or coral reefs. If placed too close to these environments, artificial reefs could disrupt the natural balance, leading to adverse effects on biodiversity. Moreover, the construction and deployment of reefs should not result in unnecessary pollution or harm to marine life.

Legal and Regulatory Barriers: In some regions, there are strict regulations governing the creation of artificial reefs. This can include licensing, environmental impact assessments, and ongoing reporting requirements. Navigating these regulations can be time-consuming and complex, especially in areas where multiple jurisdictions are involved. It’s crucial to engage with regulatory bodies early in the planning process to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

Innovative Technologies and the Future of Artificial Reefs

As technology continues to advance, the design and implementation of artificial reefs are evolving. Several innovative technologies are being developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of artificial reefs, ensuring that they better serve marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Smart Reefs

With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, “smart reefs” are becoming an increasingly popular concept. These reefs are equipped with sensors that monitor water quality, biodiversity, and the health of the reef structure itself. Data collected from these sensors can be transmitted in real-time to researchers and managers, allowing for rapid responses to any issues that arise. Smart reefs also have the potential to integrate with marine spatial planning systems, helping to optimise the placement and design of reefs.

3D Printing for Reef Creation

3D printing technology has opened up new possibilities for creating artificial reefs. Using biodegradable materials, 3D printers can design and produce custom reef structures that cater to specific ecological needs. This approach allows for greater flexibility in reef design, enabling more tailored solutions to different marine environments.

Biomimicry in Reef Design

Biomimicry, or the practice of designing solutions based on natural processes and systems, is becoming an important trend in the development of artificial reefs. By studying natural reef structures, such as coral and kelp forests, researchers can create artificial reefs that are more effective at promoting biodiversity and fostering ecosystem health. These designs might include features like specialized surfaces for coral attachment or natural patterns that enhance habitat complexity.

Eco-Friendly Reef Materials

New, sustainable materials are being developed for use in artificial reef construction. These materials are designed to minimize environmental impact while still supporting marine life. For example, researchers are exploring the use of eco-concrete, which is made from recycled materials and is more biodegradable than traditional concrete, reducing the potential long-term environmental footprint of artificial reefs.

A Valuable Tool for Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management

Artificial reefs offer a promising solution for marine habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and fisheries management. By mimicking the functions of natural reefs, these man-made structures provide critical ecosystems for a variety of marine organisms while also offering protection for coastal areas. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, ongoing monitoring, and an understanding of the potential challenges involved.

Source:

National Ocean Service. “Artificial Reefs.” NOAA’s Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/artificial-reef.html. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Vukoe, Sama. “Rewilding Paradox: Unintended Consequences in Ecosystem.” LinkedIn, 4 Nov. 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rewilding-paradox-unintended-consequences-ecosystem-sama-vukoe/. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

“Artificial Reefs.” MarineBio Conservation, https://www.marinebio.org/conservation/artificial-reefs/#google_vignette. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.