Can 3D Printed Concrete Reefs Save Our Oceans And Marine Life?

October 16, 2021

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3 min read

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They protect coastlines from storms and erosion, they support fishing and tourism industries and provide shelter for marine organisms. Unfortunately, coral reefs are under constant threat.

Introduction

Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea.” An astonishing 25% of the ocean’s fish species rely on healthy coral reefs for their survival. Despite their importance, coral reefs face an onslaught of threats. Pollution, excess nutrients, overfishing, rising ocean temperatures, climate change, increased carbon dioxide levels, and ocean acidification pose significant dangers to these delicate ecosystems. As corals become stressed, they expel algae living within them, resulting in bleaching and eventual death. Unusually warm waters from 2014 to 2017 had a devastating impact on 70% of coral reef ecosystems globally, with the Great Barrier Reef in Australia experiencing 33% coral cover disruption, and the Maldives witnessing 60% coral cover loss.

3D printed Coral Reefs

A cutting-edge solution now emerges in the form of 3D printed concrete coral reefs. French 3D printing company XtreeE and marine life restoration company Seaboost are collaborating to develop biomimetic designs inspired by natural coral reefs. Using 3D scanners, they scan existing reefs to create digital versions, replicating their complex structures, twisting valleys, and various niches that attract algae and marine life. A 3D model of an artificial coral reef with similar niches is then created and printed using a mix of concrete, local sand, and seawater to ensure recognition by flora and fauna.

Advantages

The advantages of using 3D printed concrete reefs are numerous. The technology allows for intricate, porous forms that mimic local reefs, and the modular design allows for easy handling and attachment to form large, heavy artificial reefs. Concrete is resistant to chemical attack and doesn’t disintegrate in saltwater, eliminating the rust issue found with steel reinforcements. Moreover, natural materials can be used, preventing further damage to underwater flora and fauna.

Several successful projects have been undertaken using 3D printed concrete reefs. In France’s Calanques National Park, an artificial reef mimicking the rich Coralligenous habitat was established, attracting numerous marine species. Projects in Monaco and Cap D’Agde, also in France, demonstrated impressive results with Grouper fish and smaller gaps and crevices being catered to, respectively.

While 3D printed concrete reefs offer hope for restoring damaged reefs, it’s essential to address the root causes of their decline, such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification. Nevertheless, these advanced technologies allow scientists to explore intricate structures and identify heat-tolerant corals and algae that could potentially adapt to climate change. Large-scale coral farms and ongoing research are vital steps toward restoring coral ecosystems, but each project must be tailored to its specific location due to Mother Nature’s complexity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while global threats have severely impacted coral reefs, continued research and creative 3D printed approaches give us hope for their restoration. These technologies offer us valuable tools to work alongside Mother Nature in safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.