Natural coral reefs are complex ecosystems primarily observed in tropical waters. These structures, made up of calcium carbonate, occupy less than 0.1% of the ocean’s surface, but provide shelter to about 25% of the world’s marine species.

 

Increasing ocean acidification, demand on global fish stocks and change in climate conditions are creating a strong impact on marine life and reef systems across the world. According to the reports of the World Resources Institute, coral cover in Bahrain is close to disappearing.

 

As reefs serve as sanctuary to a vast amount of marine species, there is an increasing need to preserve these unique ecosystems. Therefore, with an aim to restore damaged and lost reefs in the world’s oceans, researchers have come up with a better option - a 3D printed barrier reef.

 

Sustainable Oceans International, an Australian organization, in partnership with Reef Arabia, a Bahrain-based company that manufactures artificial reefs has developed a method for 3D printing of coral reef structures that are similar to natural reefs.

 

This Australian-Bahraini team is the first in the world to use an advanced construction sized 3D printer to produce coral reefs. This novel patent pending technology is a major step forward in restoring vastly diminished coral reefs.

 

Artificial reefs made of concrete have been used long before 3D printing. However, the complexity and diversity of natural reefs could not be replicated using traditional concrete molding systems. Weighing 500 kg and standing 1 m tall, 3D printed reefs are made up of more versatile sandstone materials that exactly imitate the textural complexity of natural reefs.

 

So far, the team has developed four prototype units, two of which have been sold to Reef Arabia for a special reef restoration project in Bahrain.

 

Unlike conventional artificial reefs, 3D printed reefs have a large number of crevices formed by the knobby lumps to protect different kinds of marine animals. 3D printed reefs are more like natural reefs, and each structure is unique. Researchers are very optimistic about implementing 3D printing technology more effectively in the future to overcome the problem of coral death.