3D Printing to Help Save the Ocean’s Coral Reefs

The potential for 3D printing technology to foster the growth of coral reefs will soon be put to the test in the Caribbean waters surrounding the Dutch island of Bonaire.

Caribbean coral cover has declined drastically over the last few decades, due to the combined effects of ocean acidification, rising ocean temperatures, overfishing, and coastal development.

Ocean preservationist Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of the late oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, is teaming up with the island’s Harbour Village Beach Club to implant printed pieces of artificial coral off Bonaire’s coast, in the hopes that they will attract free-floating baby coral polyps — the organisms that make up coral reefs — along with other aquatic life.

Made of sandstone and limestone, the printed reefs will be designed to mimic natural reefs in shape, texture, color, and chemical composition.

Underwater cameras will monitor the effectiveness of the 3-D printed material in boosting the health and growth of the natural coral reefs.

“3D printed corals can generate real change and establish real growth for reefs…” Cousteau tells the Caribbean Journal. “This technology is less labor-intensive than current coral restoration processes, creating a larger impact in a shorter amount of time.”

Source: The Science Explorer

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