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Build the Reef Ltd. Registered company no. SC622272
Artificial Reef Benefits
Environmental Benefits
Improvement of the biological diversity characteristics of the coast due to the artificial reefs providing structure for the growth of hard/soft corals, sponges, seaweed, sea anemones, molluscs etc. In short, the foundations of a reef ecosystem.
Improvement of fish & shellfish proliferation due to artificial reefs being a place of hatchery as well as protection to crustaceans and juvenile fish while they mature to adulthood. Overall this is compensation for habitat loss due to destructive fishing practises such as unregulated, unsustainable trawling and dredging in the North Sea.
Increased ocean richness due to artificial reefs providing a food source due to concentration of microorganisms such as Plankton and Zooplankton. This plays a vital role in the ecosystem that stems from this process.
Carbon Biosequestration via marine growth. This is the process where atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are captured and stored biologically.
Carbon biosequestration is currently the only way to permanently store carbon on a large scale through carbonate formation. This occurs when organisms such as shellfish transform the carbon in the atmosphere to form and grow their shells (calcium carbonate).
Socio-Economic Benefits
Enhancement of biodiverse stock resources (shellfish & fish) through habitat creation and enhancement. The overspill from this stock increase is likely to both directly and indirectly support the UK fishing industry.
Scientific/academia/conservation research and educational opportunities. Coral reefs are often known as the medicine cabinets of the 21st century. They are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, viruses and other diseases.
Potential use of industry waste bi-product materials such as PFA (Pulverised Fly Ash from Quarries, crushed shell from shellfish industry) for partial mixture of the marine friendly concrete. These waste products otherwise cost the consumer money to dispose.
Increase in tourism due to recreational activities such as scuba diving, nature preservation opportunities, fish angling and eco-tourism.
Example – dolphins/whales visiting coastal areas due to rise in food source derived from the artificial reefs.
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