Revitalizing Pattaya Reefs: 3D-Printed Coral Homes Boost Marine Ecosystems

[webfact]

 

In a concerted effort to restore Thailand’s marine ecosystems sustainably, a collaborative initiative led by SCG, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University, Earth Agenda Foundation, and Thai Cement Company Limited (SCG) recently implemented a groundbreaking project.

 

The focus of this undertaking was the utilization of 3D printing technology to construct artificial coral reefs, commonly known as “Baan Pakarang,” aimed at rejuvenating marine life off the coast of Saka Island in Chonburi province.

 

Representing the city of Pattaya, Mr. Kiat-sak Siriwongchai, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, presided over the handover ceremony and placement of the artificial coral reefs within the “Love the Sea” project. This project materialized with the active participation of officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University, Earth Agenda Foundation, and Thai Cement Company Limited (SCG).

The “Love the Sea” initiative, spearheaded by SCG in collaboration with key environmental stakeholders, was devised as a comprehensive endeavor to restore coral reefs, crucial natural marine resources. The project utilized advanced 3D printing technology to create aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly artificial coral reefs, aptly named “Baan Pakarang.” These structures not only emulate the appearance of real coral reefs but also provide an ideal substrate for juvenile coral to attach and thrive, fostering biodiversity and ecological resilience.

 

By Editorial Staff

 

Full story: Pattaya Locality Guide 2023-12-20

 

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[Gottfrid]

I just hope they have researched how the material they place in the ocean is safe and durable.

[Pesche]

Cement?!?

How can cement "provide an ideal substrate for juvenile coral to attach and thrive"?!

The chemicals used to make cement are highly toxic to marine microorganisms!!!

Using "advanced 3D printing technology to create aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly artificial coral reefs" wont help a bit!

Do they think the polyps will find it aesthetically pleasing?! Oh, this is a nice place lets stay here!

What a nonsense!

Every reef- and marine-biologist knows that this will not work at all!

IMHO the DEPARTMENTS of incompetence including the Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University are doing a great promotion for a cement Company...

It wont help either foster biodiversity and ecological resilience since the only organisms who might "attach" to concrete or cement are molluscs (since they don't have direct contact to the cement). So maybe some shellfish might grow and some algae...

Coral polyps chose location by:

Temperature

Sun exposure

and mostly important the currents which carry nutrients they can catch...

If this is not taken in consideration it will not work!

 

Being a reef-ecologist for over 30 years I suggest a very simple and cheap structure based on barber wire and bottles:

Best results are extremely simple Bottle Units, which is the most successful technique to date. The units consist of a concrete base (as heavy foundation or anchorage ONLY to prevent them from moving around), into which glass bottles are placed and become the securement point for corals. Glass being absolutely non toxic provides an easy place to attach corals, tend to allow waves to pass through them to prevent overturning, and last about 8-10 years underwater. Once they do collapse, they are usually so covered in coral that things just keep growing as normal.

[PETERTHEEATER]

I am unable to open the link so I assume from the above that the 3d printed objects are.....concrete? Whay not just cast them in moulds?

Better still us a marine friendly material.

 

 

[Srikcir]

In other news:

"How Are 3D Printed Coral Reef Projects Revitalizing Marine Biodiversity?"

https://www.3dnatives.com

• the Hong Kong Bay Conservation Project uses 3D printing and a blend of quarry aggregate and cement binders to produce artifical reefs
• 3D printed artificial coral reef in the Maldives using ceramic material similar to calcium carbonate found in actual reefs
• 3D printed corals for microscopic algae growth using a need of polymer gels and hydrogen infused with cellulose nanomaterials.
• North Sea 3D-printed reefs units consisting of 70% sand and 30% puzzolan cement.

Great to see Thailand adopting 3D technology to its vital sea areas.