Wetzel, C. (2022, June 15). Thousands of coral larvae ‘planted’ under offshore wind turbine. New Scientist. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2323369-thousands-of-coral-larvae-planted-under-offshore-wind-turbine/

Marine biologists have found a new way to grow new coral reefs, in an attempt to provide a safe haven for ocean wildlife. By placing coral larvae at the base of offshore turbines, they are giving coral the opportunity to latch onto the turbine structures and have a new habitat to flourish and populate. Tropical waters off the coast of Taiwan would become a safe haven for struggling coral. As opposed to shallower areas, the temperature of water surrounding the wind turbines are more stable due to its depth, which is ideal for coral as they are very sensitive to changes in temperature. 

 

I think this idea has a lot of potential to help coral reefs and their survival. If successful, this project can extend to bridges, oil foundations, and other underwater structures, the possibilities are endless. This group of marine biologists have found a way to help coral reefs avoid warm water bleaching events. Due to its deep location, the wind turbines allow the coral that grow on its structure to stay safe from these bleaching events. However, I wonder if the coral has the possibility to damage the underwater structures, and what adaptations or mitigations could be made to avoid this problem.