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Artificial Reef
Creation
and
Deployment
Ocean Caraibes staff will be responsible for
acquiring all the necessary equipment, 90% of which
can be sourced locally. We will also train your staff
and / or hire local staff for the construction and
deployment of the Biorock structures.
As well, we can also develop a
comprehensive monitoring program to analyze the new reef's
condition including fish and marine life census,
underwater photos/video and status report.
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A Brief History
of Artificial Coral Reefs
Experiments with artificial reefs in the late 1960’s
included the use of old cars, refrigerators, stoves, boats,
and structures. Little regard was given to the potential
effects of the materials on the environment or the marine
plants and animals inhabiting the area. Many of the
structures were created for recreational or aesthetic
purpose by unregulated private entities, such as snorkelers,
divers and photographers.
During
the 1970’s and 80’s, concrete structures or units of various
sizes and shapes were placed beneath the sea in attempts to
establish new reefs. However, promises that the units were
“…scientifically designed and engineered to mimic Mother
Nature,” simply did not hold true. Rough seas, currents and
other natural powers tipped, toppled and moved the
structures, often covering them sand. In other instances,
the concrete units never promoted new coral growth, but only
attracted algae.
In
2000,
Ocean Carraibe,
having
studied, observed and in some instances, attempted
implementation of those early year ideas of artificial reef
creation, with negligible success, began to pay close attention to a new approach -
electric coral reefs.
Today,
we are comfortably convinced that electric coral reefs,
created and produced by BIOROCK® MARINE CONSTRUCTION
APPLICATIONS, is an environmentally friendly, reliable
and proven method of creating artificial coral reefs.
BIOROCK’s construction and
scientific approach exceeds expectations in creating habitat
for fish and marine life, providing world-class snorkeling &
dive sites, while actually supporting beach development, and
the reduction of swell waves & storm surges along
coastlines. |
Ocean Caraibes
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Services Provided
Our Initial Site Visit
provides:
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Underwater
reconnaissance survey
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Bottom Survey of the site and adjacent areas
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Complete
evaluation of the bottom conditions and proximity to
surrounding structures
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Bottom
type, (coral, rock, sand, etc.) survey of the
fish/marine life
species and population density
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Obtain
details on current speed, direction, and tide range
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Perform a
rapid hydrographic and bathymetric survey of the site
and surrounding area
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Series
of underwater photographs
This information will be carefully analyzed to determine the
best design specification for the artificial reefs. If
required, all of
the data obtained during the survey can be use in an EIA
(Environmental Impact Assessment Survey). DGPS
coordinates will be taken of the entire structure which will
be used to create a GIA Map of the structure and adjacent
coastline.
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Biorock artificial reefs can be constructed
in multitude of designs suited to any particular need.
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•
World-class
snorkeling reefs
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Habitat for fish and marine life
in any area including ocean
deserts
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Coastline protection from
storm
surge and swell waves. |
•
Beach creation
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Beach protection
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Beach nourishment by
natural
means |
Based upon the clients needs & budget requirements, within a
few days after completion of the initial site visit and
surveys, Ocean Caraibes will submit a detailed
development proposal, cost projection and time frame for the project.
Cost Factor:
generally the cost of a Biorock Structure is between 50% and
70% less than using rock armour (large boulders) and
concrete and the Biorock structure is 50 times more
environmentally friendly.
Also
See
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Biorock Construction Processes
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Corral Reef Nature Trail
Photos
& graphics
provided by Ari Spenhoff
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