Coral reefs in the oceans are experiencing the longest range of bleaching events in history: warming seawater is cooking corals, destroying the color and vitality of coral reefs. Global ecologists are taking the time to save coral reefs. But by far the best solution may come from 3D printing .
What happened to the coral?
Corals are made up of tiny, soft corals attached to rocks on the sea floor. Polyps secrete calcium carbonate on their roots. These secretions become hard corals and form a coral reef structure. Algae live inside the polyps, providing nutrients to the corals and adding vivid colors to them.
When stressed, the polyps expel coral algae and turn white. This is coral bleaching. If whitening does not reverse, the coral will die. Waters with abnormal temperatures are causing massive whitening around the world. To make matters worse, carbon pollution is making the oceans more acidic, making it more difficult for corals to absorb the calcium needed to produce hard corals.
How does a 3D printed coral reef work?
Over the years, humans have created artificial reefs by sinking or throwing concrete blocks in shallow waters and providing rock-like surfaces where corals, seaweeds, barnacles, sea anemones and other species can be used as home. 3D printing has improved this process by allowing people to create coral reefs that are more like hard corals.
Just launched 3D printed coral reef
Marine biologist Kristen Marhaver explained in a TED speech that coral larvae are attracted to white and pink areas because they are the color of healthy coral reefs, which prefer cracks, grooves and caves where they are exempt Being trampled or eaten by carnivores. 3D printers are creating such an environment for them.
A few days ago, the teams in Bahrain and Monaco created soft sandstone reefs with the same shape and texture as coral reefs. According to Tiangong, the neutral pH of sandstone makes artificial coral reefs an attractive location for coral larvae. The model that will be completed by Reef Design Lab will have a ceramic overlay that is closer to the chemical composition of the coral.
Some designers have adopted different strategies to use artificial coral as a buffer against ocean acidification. Last year at the Royal College of Art in London, artist Nell Bennett printed artificial corals with calcium carbonate 3D. When it is placed on a coral reef, the coral slowly dissolves, reducing the acidity of the surrounding waters.
3D printed coral reef after 1 month of launch
Why is this important?
Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the sea floor, but they support about a quarter of marine life, not just algae and zooplankton, but also countless species in the food chain, from crabs to turtles to humans. Coral reefs support fisheries and tourism and prevent coastal erosion. One billion people around the world rely on coral reefs for food or income.
Now, the rise in temperature is devastating for coral reefs. Even a drastic cut in carbon pollution has little effect on slowing their demise. A warming of only 1.5oC will make 90% of coral reefs dangerous.
In the face of this large-scale crisis, the only choice is innovation. And 3D printing can protect countless animals that depend on corals.
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