3D printed artificial reefs: a relevant technology aiming to mimicry natural structural complexity and to mitigate lost of habitat in coastal ecosystems
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Non-governmental organization (NGO)
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#OceanAction40836
Description
Artificial reefs are often used to mitigate impacts from human activities in coastal ecosystems, to enhance fisheries yield or as a coastal management tool. For an AR to have a high chance of success, it should be site-specific and in harmony with the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of its target species. So, restoration strategies should consider techniques that maximize freedom of form and freedom of material types. These objectives can be achieved with 3D printing.
In a pilot project in the Larvotto MPA in Monaco, 3D printing is currently being developed through 3 different ways: optimizing the material used in the 3D printer, analyzing the biofilm and the macro-fouling development on the selected material, and assessing the link between the structural complexity of the 3D ARs and the diversity and abundance of the fauna inhabiting the artificial reefs.
The 3D printed ARs must meet two major constraints: print-ability and long term underwater resistance, both using natural material with a low CO2 footprint. The currently selected material, mainly composed of Dolomite sand, fits to these criteria, and allows to print large (1 cubic meter) ARs.
The biofilm development on Dolomite substrate is currently compared to that on concrete and on natural rock. The first results show that the bacterial communities shaping the biofilm are very similar between Dolomite and rocky substrate. However, the adjuvants used in concrete do not impair biofilm development but slows it.
To assess the link between the AR structural complexity and the fauna abundance inhabiting the AR, it is mandatory to be able to quantify the structural complexity. Consequently, we propose a simple method that can be used underwater to quantify the structural complexity of an AR, and to compare it with that of a rocky habitat.
These 3 research axes started in 2015 and will end in 2019. The main deliverable will be a set of 3D ARs, allowing to create specific habitats according to the species that a stakeholder or a manager would like to enhance within a restored habitat.
Throughout this program and a deep cooperation with scientific laboratories, AMPN wants to promote at the Mediterranean scale a model of urban and small scale marine protected areas acting as a natural laboratory to foster a more scientifically-based management of the coastal areas and to export this innovative technology from regional to international level.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
| Title | Progress Status | Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Progress 2019-05-19 | Completed |
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Contact Information
Jacqueline Gautier-Debernardi, Mrs