They create artificial corals to save natural reefs

In the last 30 years, we have lost almost half of the corals on the planet. According to the organization Coral Gardeners, if we don’t act now, by 2050 we will have lost all the corals in the world. The main causes? Climate change, overfishing and water pollution.

For this reason, the possibility of use 3D printed corals and support structures to reverse the current situation of the reefs. What are the main doubts that arise in this regard? Are they salvation?

Why is the protection of coral reefs so important?

These calcium carbonate structures are considered the “sea jungles”, as they are home to thousands of aquatic species. They provide shelter, food, and a spawning and breeding ground. They capture CO 2 from the atmosphere, protect the coasts from waves and are one of the most amazing and magnificent ecosystems in the world.

But the increase in pollution, overfishing and the alarming acidification of the oceans are just some of the reasons why these landscapes are dying.

New technologies as a tool to save them?

Danielle Dixson of the University of Delaware (UD) and Emily Ruhl, a UD alumnus, are leading research on 3D printed corals with different materials, to be used as a replacement and/or supplement for damaged reefs.

On the other hand, from Hong Kong, researchers from the Swire Institute of Marine Sciences and the University of Hong Kong use clay structures as a support for new corals to settle and grow.

When introducing these man-made structures to the ecosystem, a few key points should be considered: What material is suitable to use? What are the conditions to which each reef is exposed? How can it affect the species that still inhabit the place?

Introducing coral models made of plastic is not widely accepted and could cause several controversies. It is for this reason that Dixson explains that using biodegradable materials Like cornstarch, it is the best option, since not only does it not contaminate, but also the fish do not reject it and as the live coral grows and strengthens, the artificial coral degrades naturally.

On the other hand, in Hong Kong, he found that clay is an excellent material, since it does not change the underwater conditions, and the particular structure of the panels with many perforations, makes “The sediment does not settle on the surface and suffocate the corals.”

Another of the main doubts that may arise is the acceptance of the organisms towards these structures. Ruhl tells Science Daily that at the beginning of the experiment he thought there was going to be some reluctance from the fish, “but then we realized that the small reef fish didn’t care if the habitat was artificial or calcium carbonate, they just wanted protection.”

Undoubtedly, these proposals are quite promising, but will it be enough? It is important that we understand the importance of the reefs and together we help in their protection.

Reducing pollution and regulating fishing and tourism are some of the actions that can be carried out to complement the introduction of artificial corals.