COMBINING ART AND MARINE SCIENCE
USING MATERIALS TO CREATE NEW HOMES FOR CORALS
Constructed with finite resources and human effort, artificial reefs are pivotal in marine conservation efforts.
Participants of PADI Marine Resource Management Courses or Marine Conservation Internships often get the opportunity to contribute to the construction of such reefs.
Once submerged, these structures serve as a substrate for transplanting “Corals of Opportunity,” under special permission.
Once deployed, these structures serve as a substrate where we are special permission the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on natural reefs by fostering coral growth in designated areas.
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Planning
Structures require planning, materials and permission from the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Building
It can take days or weeks with volunteers, interns, divemaster candidates or students to make it ready for deployment.
Deployment
Dployment of a structure demands expertise to ensure safe installation and accurate positioning within the designated area.
Transplantation
Once the structure has been securely positioned, corals of opportunity can be transplanted to foster growth and thrive.
WHY ARTIFICIAL REEFS ?
Amidst the global degradation of coral reefs resulting from climate changes and human activities, it becomes imperative to take action to support the remaining reef ecosystems.
As a PADI CDC centre, we feel its our responsibilty to take teach our divers about ocean issues and to protect our oceans that we enjoy so much. This is why we are partners with The Coral Tribe
Artificial reefs contribute in three significant ways. Firstly, they offer a substrate for fragmented corals to attach and regenerate, revitalising areas previously devastated. Secondly, the establishment of these new habitats attracts scuba divers, diverting pressure from natural coral reefs and potentially minimising accidental damage from diver interactions. Lastly, the creation of reef structures fosters habitat for marine life, offering opportunities for fish and invertebrate populations to flourish and expand.
ARTIFICIAL REEF FACTS
Artificial reef sites in Koh Tao have been in place for over a decade and are in a constant state of growth and evolution. Maintaining these sites demands consistent monitoring and maintenance tasks carried out by proficient marine conservation divers.
These locations also serve as invaluable research grounds for The Coral Tribe who studying coral growth and survival rates using their own transplant monitoring survey methodology.
It’s worth highlighting that artificial reefs have a historical precedence spanning centuries, initially utilised to bolster fish populations. More recently, their application has expanded to encompass coral reef restoration efforts.
GET INVOLVED !
To join in our Artificial Reefs project, you can sign up for a Marine Conservation Internships with our in-house marine conservation team of experts at The Coral Tribe. During this internship, you will gain knowledge and skills to build, monitor and maintain artificial reefs.
Help save and restore our coral reefs which help our shorelines, provide fish stocks and a potential resource for new cures.
GET MORE INFO !
If you have questions, about any of our projects, citizen science, research, volunteering, internships or training.
Please get in touch with our marine conservation team!
