The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, in collaboration with scientist Ben Jones, is working on a project to build an engineered coral reef ecosystem in Kailua Bay on Oahu. The $25 million research venture funded by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency aims to reduce coastal erosion, promote coral growth, and enhance biodiversity. The project involves placing concrete structures underwater to create a living coastal-protection system.
Jones plans to grow dozens of species of coral on large precast concrete structures made with glass fiber rebar to extend their life for up to 100 years. The project, located at Ulupa’u Crater on the tip of Mokapu Peninsula, is currently undergoing federal and state permit review. Once approved, it will include the installation of 60 structures and two years of scientific monitoring to assess its impact.
The project’s success may lead to the application of similar techniques in other areas facing coastal erosion in Hawaii. The selected site has living coral and sufficient wave energy to test the effectiveness of the coral growing structures. Jones hopes that the project will provide insights into creating rapid resilient reefs for coastal defense, utilizing an integrated ecosystem-level approach.
Ultimately, the project aims to build a sustainable coral reef ecosystem that can serve as a model for rebuilding and protecting reefs in Hawaii and beyond. Scientists believe that these innovative methods could play a crucial role in conserving and preserving coral reefs worldwide.
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