A study led by the University of California Davis found that installing small, hexagonal structures across coral reefs is a successful strategy for rehabilitating coral reefs. These structures called spiders have increased coral coverage in the center of Indonesia’s Coral Triangle from 10% to 60%. They also stabilize rubble and allow for water to flow through freely. This method is cost effective and can easily be applied to coral reefs around the world. These spiders also allow for coral reefs to regrow and acclimate to worsening ocean conditions. Coral bleaching also affected less than 5% of the coral in the areas with spiders.
It is very important to develop techniques to protect coral reefs. They benefit aquatic life and are important ecosystems, but they also help humans economically. This is because they are the foundations for many fisheries and also attract tourists which provides jobs. Coral reefs also provide natural coast security and a food source for many families. Developing strategies to protect them requires a lot of research, but it is important to help the environment and humans.
Wow! This a really cool technology that is extremely effective (10-60%). It seems like a no-brainer to start implementing around the world. I know you mentioned they are “cost-effective” but do you know how much they are? What’s holding us back right now from implementing?
I couldn’t find how much they cost, but this was a new study so I think they are probably waiting to test it more and then present their findings to different areas around coral reefs.
This is really interesting! It is quite insane how efficient and effective this technology is. We should absolutely start to use this technology in to improving and rehabilitating the coral reefs of our seas. How expensive would this technology be if it was to be spread on a global scale?
I couldn’t find how much it would cost, but I think it would be worth it to save coral reefs.
This type of technology is quite interesting! It makes me so hopeful that there are ways to rehabilitate the coral reefs that we are responsible for damaging. I wonder how much of an impact this technology can make if we begin to implement it in areas around the world.
I think it could make a big difference and help slow down the destruction of coral reefs.
I think that this is great way to spend the resources towards saving the coral reefs as it can improve their health and well prevent them from being in danger!