Design innovations making artificial reefs easier to install
Coral farms
One Australian company is helping revolutionise the way artificial reefs are designed by making lightweight, portable structures that do not need huge cranes to install them.
Melbourne-based Reef Design Lab, which has created a host of ocean-going designs worldwide including an artificial seawall at Townsville, designs underwater structures to grow coral trees, including its revolutionary MARS underwater “coral farm” design.
“MARS reimagines these farming structures as a three dimensional lattice that can be deployed from small boats and implemented by divers similar to an underwater lego set,” according to RDL.
“This completely eliminates the need for heavy-duty machinery (which many communities do not have access to) but allows for a strong structure using minimal material.”
The RDL regularly works with marine researchers in areas such as coastal protection, eco engineering of marine infrastructure and coral farming.
According to the State Government Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Department (DETSI), Queensland's artificial reef projects currently include the Great Sandy Marine Park and the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
“Queensland is a leader in artificial reef development,” DETSI states.
“These sites now teem with fish and other species, transforming once-barren seafloors into thriving ecosystems.”
