Latest Updates
Innovation & Insights
Current Projects
Artificial Reefs:
As a community deeply rooted in our marine surroundings, we are actively engaged in discussions with the Treaty Council and the world's number one artificial reef company Haejoo Pty Ltd to explore the feasibility of developing artificial reefs around MER. These reefs aim to revitalize and replenish our local seafood resources, which will create employment opportunities and foster sustainable growth within our community. Through this initiative, we envision a long-lasting legacy of prosperity and abundance for generations to come.
Future Endeavors
Ecological development:
The first advantage of reefs is their biodiversity and productivity. The dense population of fish is ideal for fishing, recreationally and commercially. Because of this, fishers have created artificial reefs for many years. This advantage has been used to revive some parts of water bodies as many of the natural reefs are deteriorating. The artificial reefs created new (compensating) ecological values and increased the biomass in an area in and around the reef. Moreover, the flora and fauna on reefs can have a strong purifying effect on the water.
Coastal protection:
Another reason for an artificial reef is coastal protection. At some coasts the waves just crash directly onshore, causing a lot of erosion. By constructing a reef a couple of 100 meters offshore, the waves are breaking earlier, the wave energy dissipates, so less forceful waves enter the coast. This affects coastal erosion, swimmer's safety and surfing circumstances.
​
Fisheries:
As mentioned, reefs attract fish. Therefore the fishery industry can use artificial reefs to create fish spots. Also, species such as mussels do well on certain types of reefs. Reefs in favour of the fishery industry are especially used in South-East Asia.
On the other hand, artificial reefs can be used to protect the seabed from (trawling) fishing. By placing reefs accurately fishermen can be kept out of certain areas. At the same time, the positive effect of the artificial reefs can benefit the fishery industry as well.
​
Recreation:
Reefs are very popular for marine recreation like surfing, diving and fishing. Artificial reefs can enhance the recreational value of an area greatly and also add to the economic benefits. Moreover, artificial reefs situated near natural reefs can spread the recreational activities between the natural and artificial reefs. By doing so, less stress is put on the natural reefs and they get the possibility to regain their strength.
Surfing does, however, ask for a different type of reef than diving and fishing. By placing an artificial reef properly, a reef can improve the quality and the occurrence of surfable waves. Reefs can increase the wave height at the breakpoint, they can influence the breaker type and promote a progressively breaking rideable wave.
​
Multipurpose:
The last type of reef is a multipurpose reef. As the name indicates, the multipurpose reef serves more functions. Most often a multipurpose reef indicates a reef that is both created for surfing and coastal protection. The dissipation of the wave energy and the prolonging of the wavelength improve the surf quality and coastal protection. Especially in Australia, several multipurpose reefs are constructed.
Ongoing Initiatives
How are Artificial Reefs Beneficial?
Artificial reefs offer numerous benefits to marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and the environment. Below are some specific examples of the benefits of artificial reefs:
Marine Habitat Restoration:
-
Example: Deploying artificial reefs in areas where natural reefs have been damaged by factors like coral bleaching, destructive fishing practices, or ship groundings. These structures create new habitats for marine organisms and contribute to ecosystem restoration.
Biodiversity Enhancement:
-
Example: Artificial reefs attract a wide variety of marine species, such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and algae. In areas with limited natural reef habitats, artificial reefs can significantly increase biodiversity and support various marine life forms.
Fisheries Enhancement:
-
Example: Placing artificial reefs near fishing grounds can enhance local fish populations by providing additional habitats and safe spaces for breeding and feeding. This leads to increased fish stocks and more sustainable fishing opportunities.
Ecotourism and Recreation:
-
Example: Sinking a decommissioned ship to create an artificial reef, which becomes a popular diving destination, attracting tourists and recreational divers. This boosts the local economy and encourages conservation efforts.
Coastal Protection:
-
Example: Installing artificial reefs in areas prone to erosion can act as submerged breakwaters, reducing wave energy and protecting coastlines from the impact of storms and erosion.
Scientific Research and Education:
-
Example: Using artificial reefs as research sites to study the colonization and growth of marine organisms, observe interactions between species, and monitor the health of the reef ecosystem. This information contributes to marine science and education.
Sustainable Resource Management:
-
Example: Implementing artificial reefs to encourage the growth of fish populations and reduce fishing pressure on natural reefs. By offering alternative fishing areas, artificial reefs support sustainable fishing practices.
Nutrient Cycling and Water Quality:
-
Example: Artificial reefs foster the growth of marine life that contributes to nutrient cycling, which can help maintain healthy water quality in coastal areas and support other marine ecosystems.
Recycled Materials and Waste Management:
-
Example: Creating artificial reefs using recycled materials like concrete, old ships, or decommissioned military equipment, which diverts waste from landfills and contributes to environmentally responsible practices.
Coral Restoration and Conservation:
-
Example: Using artificial structures as substrates to attach coral fragments in coral restoration projects. This encourages coral growth and aids in the conservation of threatened coral species.
Overall, artificial reefs can provide a range of positive outcomes, including ecological restoration, economic benefits, enhanced fishing opportunities, and increased knowledge about marine ecosystems. However, it’s essential to approach artificial reef construction with careful planning and environmental considerations to ensure their effectiveness and minimize any negative impacts on the marine environment.