Ocean coral reefs are the collective of corals which are symbiotic with algae plants called zooxanthellae. Corals reefs are used to find in the bottom of the ocean.
As known, coral reefs are utilized as a home for many organisms living in the ocean. At the present time, coral reefs are threatened to be damaged and probably extinct due to several problems caused by the human.
Then, before the time comes, the government initiates to take an action in order to overcome the problems, it is to cultivate artificial coral reefs.
Artificial coral reefs are an imitation of the real coral reefs which are made by human and then when it is done, it will be dropped and put into the ocean. There are several things why the artificial coral reefs are important and it will be discussed later.
Then, before we step to the main topic, it would be better if we learn more about what the artificial coral reefs are. So, artificial coral reefs are made based on several criteria which include the function, suitability, stability, and resilience.
As for the material in making the artificial coral reefs include the real concrete combined with the other materials such as sand, gravel, type 2 cement, coal ash, and the piece of corals dead which are designed into certain forms. After finished, the artificial coral reefs will be put down to the ocean.
Well, it’s time to discuss 15 importance of artificial coral reefs as below:
1. Replace the Function of Coral Reefs
The exploitation that occurs in the ocean cause several damages which include coral reefs. Indeed, coral reefs become one of the most important aspects of preserving the ocean and when the coral reefs are damaged, many lives of biota are threatened.
That’s the main reason for constructing the artificial coral reefs, it is to rehabilitate the original coral reefs which having damaged and also to replace the function of coral reefs. Read effects of coral reef destruction
2. Home for Marine Animals
Artificial coral reefs provide a new home for the variety of marine animals to substitute the real coral reefs. As what has been said before, many of original coral reefs are broken and going to be extinct due to human’s irresponsible deeds and if that happens, it means the marine animals will lose their home or habitat. So, as the solution, then the artificial coral reefs are made. Read also importance of marine grass
3. Nursery Area
The artificial coral reefs are the best place to be utilized as a nursery area for marine animals such as fishes. Read more about endangered animals in coral reef.
4. Spawning Ground for Marine Animals
Besides the artificial coral reefs are utilized as a home for the variety of marine animals, the artificial coral reefs are also used as the spawning ground. So, the marine animals can save their eggs into the artificial coral reefs and wait until their eggs hatch.
5. Food Sources
The importance of artificial coral reefs is to become a food source for the marine animals. Like the coral reefs, the artificial coral reefs are designed to provide a food and sanctuary for many organisms living in the ocean.
6. Protect the Marine Ecosystem
The artificial coral reefs are not only used as a home for marine animals but also used to protect the marine ecosystem from damage marine environment which is caused by human’s action. Read about threats to marine ecosystems.
7. Increase Marine Resource
With the artificial coral reefs, the marine resource will increase because the artificial coral reefs become a shield for many kinds of marine animals in the ocean that can be utilized. Besides that, the artificial coral reefs also improve the productivity of marine animals and keep the balance of the food chain circle.
8. Restoring the Damage Marine Environments
The researchers in Australia succeed in making an artificial coral reef which is able to restore the damage to marine environments due to the exploitation and pollution.
9. Protect the Shore
As well as the coral reefs, the artificial coral reefs also can protect the shore from the abrasion and erosion due to the big current of waves. It is because the artificial coral reefs will block and slow down the current of waves before reaching the shore.
10. Become the Source of Livelihood
The artificial coral reefs can be utilized as the source of livelihood. With the artificial coral reefs, people can cultivate many kinds of marine animals such as fish, lobster, and etc. Besides that, the artificial coral reefs are also constructed and designed by the human. In other words, people can earn some money by making the artificial coral reefs.
11. Location of Fishing
No wonder if the artificial coral reefs provide the best location for fishing because it must be a lot of fishes living there. So, it will give you a chance to do a fun activity.
12. Diving Area
Besides providing the location of fishing, the artificial coral reefs are also a good area for diving. You can explore the bottom of the ocean which is near where the artificial coral reefs are put, then you are able to see a lot of marine animals living around the artificial coral reefs.
13. Surfing Spot
The artificial coral reefs are able to create the perfect waves for surfing because it can break the waves when the waves bump into the artificial coral reefs.
14. Educational Purpose
The making of artificial coral reefs is aimed to educate the next generation about the importance to protect and preserve the marine life and also become a chance for the next generation to get to know more about the ecosystem, plants, animals in the ocean.
15. Research Purpose
The artificial coral reefs can be used as the material of a research or study regarding the ocean. Many researchers conduct the study of the artificial coral reefs in order to make useful improvement for the marine environment.
Well, guys, that’s all about the importance of artificial coral reefs that you should know. I hope through this article, you can get more knowledge. Thanks for reading!