ReeFabricate
ReeFabricate is a conceptual project which aims to improve and increase the coral reef habitats. Utilizing current technology and developing manufacturing methods concrete reefs and structures can be printed on site.
Summer 2024
2 week project
The goal of this project is to create a way to manufacture effective and economical artificial reefs to improve the marine ecosystem and provide a financial incentive.
The system is designed to be deployed in waters about 30 to 50 feet deep where it can print a wide range of shapes to accommodate the wiled life and attract tourists. It also provides other benefits of coral reefs such as erosion prevention and safety from large waves and currents. Giving the ability to increase the area of coral reef habitat to previously desolate areas.
An estimated 25 percent of all marine life, including over 4,000 species of fish, are dependent on coral reefs at some point in their life cycle.
Biodiversity Support: Artificial reefs provide habitat, shelter, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, promoting biodiversity and helping endangered species thrive.
Erosion Control: Reefs act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion, protecting shorelines and reducing the impact of waves on coastal communities.
Tourism Boost: Reefs attract divers, snorkelers, and eco-tourists, generating revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
Devise a method of creating reefs which is efficient and marketable to increase the demand for more reef development on shores.
In red are currently established reefs in the world. These locations are shrinking due to a multitude of reasons including a difficulty to establish colonies in new locations. Approximately 30-50% of the empty or damaged coastlines would benefit from artificial reef structures, depending on the local conditions and proper design of the structures.
Easy to deploy and capable of taking any shape or size to attract specific sea life.
Utilizes long lasting strong material that would not impact environment.
Needs to be marketable to a verity of people and industries to increase demand and profit.
Final Product
Boat is loaded and travels out to print location.
Reefabricate begins printing out the ordered structure.
Once finished it can be colonized by the environment or coral can be planted on its surface.
Divers equipped with special equipment dive to assemble the device.
Begins to deploy printing structure.
Divers assemble and connect printer under water.
It will then be quickly populated by surrounding wiled life, increasing the biodiversity.
Specialized cement is loded by trucks onto the boat which is shiped out to the printing site,
The specialized concrete mixture can cure and harden in salt water allowing it to keep shape after extruded.
The boat is equipped with deployment systems that make it easier to transport and retrieve after a print.
Creating environments for coral to thrive.
These structures can be printed to mimic organic forms and provide specialized habitat for different organisms.
Gives small fish a place to hide and breed.
They can also be customized for tourist attractions which bring income to local areas to encourage marine life conservation.
Printed Reef Results
Provides food for larger predators.
Along with sanctuary for large marine life.
