What kinds of marine ecological enhancements are possible at my site?

Marine ecological enhancements include a variety of potential treatments that range from artificial reefs to create habitat for fish & corals (EcoReefs) to larger integrated ecosystems that combine artificial reefs with other complementary organisms (e.g. seagrasses, oysters).  Depending on the scale of the project, enhancements can also include the construction of various rockworks to create features of interest or necessity (e.g. amphitheaters, islets, pinnacles, jetties, groins, pipeline armor).

Can I establish a coral reef?

This map shows the global distribution of coral species -- generally speaking, sites where there are more than 50 coral species present have a good chance of establishing significant coral growth from either natural recruitment or transplantation. This assumes that the water quality is good and physical parameters are within normal bounds for shallow water marine organisms.

How long will it take?

There is some regional variability, however on EcoReefs installations we find that naturally-recruited young corals are plainly visible within two years of installation, and that transplanted corals will be well established in similar timeframe. Some of the faster growing species (Acropora spp.) can start to overtop the modules within 18 months of transplantation.

What about fish?

Fish move into EcoReefs structures almost immediately.  Other invertebrates will also move in quickly, including sponges, bryozoans, tunicates, echinoderms, arthropods and a variety of molluscs (snails, oysters, octopi).

How important is water quality?

Sites with chronic water quality issues (excess nutrients, low oxygen, toxic metals, siltation etc) have inherently limited potential, and may only be suitable for creating fish habitat (fish are less sensitive to water quality compared to corals).  In some cases, marine ecological enhancements may be able to improve water quality if conditions are not too extreme. 

What other parameters influence reef potential? 

Management practices impact long-term success.  We encourage our clients to work within (or establish) a marine conservation framework to limit potential uses that may negatively impact the site (e.g. fishing, anchoring, collecting, road building).  Where traditional enforcement is not an option, we advocate the establishment of a community-based conservation programme. 

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