Coral Innovators

Our coral reefs are dying.

According to NPR, “the amount of coral lost between 2008 and 2019 is equivalent to more than all of the living coral in Australia.” Engineers can play a vital role in saving coral reefs as part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) number 14, Life Below Water, by protecting coral reefs and preventing future coral bleaching. Engineers create unique designs, inventions, and tools for all the SDGs across the globe, but they will also revolutionize life underwater by protecting this living organism.

The warming oceans and ocean acidification due to global warming and carbon pollution from emissions and fossil fuels are a major cause of coral bleaching. Coral is not a plant, they are actually invertebrates made of several polyps. They feed off of zooxanthellae, a type of algae. As the oceans warm up, the coral “stresses out” and expels its food from its body, starving to death and turning white. When the coral loses its vibrant color it is considered bleached. Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide chemically mixes into the ocean, which increases the acidity, making it hard for coral to grow because of the lack of calcium. This is a shame! Coral reefs save us $94 million US dollars every year in flood damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

Limiting global warming effects will aid the coral long-term, but engineers can help rebuild and regenerate coral by using artificial reefs. Using artificial reefs is not a new solution to coral bleaching. For example, the Thunderbolt shipwreck off the coast of the Florida Keys, is a 188 foot sunken ship that has collected coral for 30 years.

Artificial reefs are underwater structures that allow coral to grow naturally. According to NOAA, “submerged shipwrecks are the most common form of artificial reef. Oil and gas platforms, bridges, lighthouses, and other offshore structures often function as artificial reefs.” Artificial reefs are relatively affordable because they can be made from natural resources and repurposed materials, leaving a minimal effect on the ecosystem.

This solution requires experts like marine, mechanical, materials and agricultural engineers to work with various scientists. The project starts with an oceanographer, who maps and examines the underwater geography for damaged coral reefs. They share their data with marine biologists. The biologists confirm whether the coral is distressed or how the natural habitat is impacting aquatic life.

Once the biologists, oceanographers, and data analysts determine where and how the coral can be supported, engineers take that information and begin to research and blueprint the design of the artificial reef. Agricultural engineers design the structure that will best fit in the natural habitat. Engineers also consult with local and federal governments to make sure that they can legally install the artificial reef. They also listen to residents and local environmentalists that can share important information such as the impact on marine life and commercial fishing. Commercial fishers earn money from fishing, so we have to make sure we aren’t destroying their businesses.

The coral reef design would then be sent to a materials engineer that determines whether wood, steel, limestone or other materials can be used and if it is toxic to the coral as well. Once a prototype is built, they test it. Testing helps engineers understand how the coral will react and if the structure is sturdy enough for water currents and to hold the coral. After that, the engineers and scientists go over the data and make modifications. The final design is lowered by divers who will install the artificial reef. Environmentalists, divers and marine biologists will continue to monitor and analyze the health of the coral.

While this project is a team effort, it is the engineers that are able to process ideas and perspectives from scientists and the local community, then create and implement a structure that benefits underwater life, making engineers Coral Innovators.

Bibliography

NOAA. Fast Facts Coral Reefs. National Ocean Service website,
https://coast.noaa.gov/states/fast-facts/coral-reefs.html

NOAA. What is an Artificial Reef? National Ocean Service website,
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/artificial-reef.html

NOAA. What is Ocean Acidification? National Ocean Service website,
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html, 02/26/21.

Treisman, Rachel, October 3, 2021 A New Report Shows Just How Much Climate Killing the World's Coral Reefs.
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/05/1043372978/global-coral-reef-loss-report-climate-change-warming-oceans