A conservation group is working to restore a diminished part of the Coral Triangle in the Pacific Ocean by constructing an artificial reef. This initiative is being led by Robin Philippo, managing director of the Tropical Research and Conservation Center. The project is taking place near Pom Pom Island in Malaysia.
The effort involves transporting chunks of concrete, each weighing 60 pounds, across a short distance from a small island in the Western Pacific Ocean. The concrete pieces have a textured surface resembling a white lotus leaf. These pieces are then submerged in the ocean, where divers assemble them into structures.
During the construction, three divers use nuts, bolts, and steel rods to secure the concrete. As they work on the 20-foot deep seabed, damsel fish and green turtles show curiosity about the activity. The finished product is an artificial reef, standing 3 feet tall and spanning 10 feet in width.
This project highlights the use of technology in conservation, as the artificial reefs are crafted from concrete using 3-D printed molds. These molds are designed to support marine biodiversity and promote the recovery of ecosystems impacted by human activity and climate change.