Science

[ysabetwordsmith]

Scientists build 'living reefs' that protect coasts and keep growing

This new approach centers on a hybrid reef system. It starts with engineered materials, then lets living organisms take over.

Over time, oysters and other marine life settle in, turning the structure into a living reef that keeps getting stronger.


It turns out that humans are actually quite good at inventing reef structures that turn into excellent habitat. Various models exist for different kinds of water conditions and target species. In general though, do watch for designs with negative space inside, because those hollows provide better protection for wildlife from predators and a larger volume of habitat.

Comments

[siliconshaman]

I remember reading a while back about a guy down in the Keys who lost his house to a hurricane and storm surge. It literally swept half his island away.

So, he did some research, bought some concrete which he poured into forms he made, and set about Guerrilla gardening himself a whole reef! 20 years later, and the chunk of island he lost is back, and his reef is growing stronger everyday!

Coast guard tried to stop him, they don't much like people dropping what look like a cross between swiss cheese and caltrops for boats into the ocean, but he stuck to where his island had been and legally he still owned.

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Well played!

Don't ask permission to fix your own stuff. Just get to work.

Re: Yes ...

[siliconshaman]

Yup... and IIRC from the article, after just a couple years he had enough of a thriving reef ecosystem he had one heck of fishing spot, without having to technically leave his island.

Which of course meant no-one else was allowed to fish there.

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Some islands in the Maldives have set up fisheries that way. You can raise fish just to watch or replenish depleted stocks, or you can catch them to use. It works. Habitat makes wildlife.