Indonesia uses coral rock to protect corals

Ecologists in Indonesia apply simple technology to create biological rock at the bottom of the sea, to protect coral reefs.

Using biological rock to protect corals

The steel structure is placed on the seabed on the reefs, connected to a small electric current, reacting to minerals in the sea according to the electrolysis principle and forming a layer of limestone around the steel bars . This structure will protect coral reefs that have been damaged by human activity such as using nets and explosives for fishing, or tourism programs.

Steel structure protection method can protect corals and other marine organisms (Photo: Science Photo Library)

When spotted corals are found, divers will take them to the place where they are placed. Delphine Robbe, Gili Eco Trust project manager, said the coral here will recover 20 times faster and have a chance to survive more than 50 times. After being completely healed, the coral is returned to its original location.

In addition to preserving coral, biological rock can become a haven for other marine creatures such as lobster and fry. They also avoid erosion and protect the shoreline by depositing sand and preventing sand from being swept out by waves. Over the past few years, some parts of the coast have expanded by about 15 m due to this effect. Artificial stone also proves the ability to stand firm before natural disasters like tsunamis.

The project began more than 10 years ago and currently has 111 systems around three islands in the northwest of Lombok Island, Indonesia. According to the BBC, scientists are studying the plan to exploit tidal energy. Meanwhile, marine turbines act as wind turbines under water.