Dismantling Ships to Revitalize Coral Reefs with Artificial Reefs

Abstract

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is an immense swath of coral made up of about 2,900 reefs, 600 mainland islands, and 300 coral atolls. It stretches for 2,200 kilometers, ranging in width from 30 km to 740 km. This natural wonder is visible from space and is the largest structure in the world made solely by living organisms. The corals that form this barrier are essential for marine biodiversity and were elected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. However, the Great Barrier Reef faces serious challenges, including bleaching caused by rising temperatures and the impacts of climate change. One strategy for revitalizing reefs is the use of sunken old ships to create artificial reefs. This approach not only conserves the marine environment, but also promotes scientific research and the production of bioproducts. Artificial ship reefs provide substrates for the marine community and simulate environments similar to natural reefs, contributing to the protection and revitalization of this important barrier reef. It is essential to develop strategies to preserve the oceans and mitigate the impacts of human activities, ensuring the survival of this ecosystem and protecting it as a treasure.