Porteous, J 2009, “Guardians of the electric reef.” ECOS 147 February-March, pp. 10-11.

The article tells about the project of coral reef restoration, currently conducted in Pemuteran, Bali (Indonesia). It uses low voltage electrical currents to create a layer of white crystallised limestone substrate on a surface of submerged metal reef structures (Biorock® technology), accelerating the formation and growth of the skeletons of corals and other shell-bearing animals. The structures become rapidly colonised by different coral reef organisms, including fish, crabs, clams, octopus, lobster and sea urchins. Two enthusiastic authors of the project have involved the local community in it, converting locals from poachers to conservationists.

The project shows a practical method of coral reef restoration, applicable in other parts of the world as it requires only sea water and energy. The problems of method which I see are: 

• the constant consumption of electricity by the installations, so the reefs should be close enough to the shore, and preferably energy from renewables should be chosen, 
• the point targeting – you need one cable for one structure, so restoration of massive structures like Great Barrier Reef seems unfeasible.
  

I see the structures more as creation of artificial habitat for marine species, which usually use natural coral reefs as habitat. Isn't it the creation of a kind of submerged zoo? According to the website of the Global Coral Reef Alliance (http://www.globalcoral.org/) once the power is switched off, weeds start to overgrow corals and outcompete them eventually. What if nobody can care anymore? This is unfortunately is not a long-term solution, rather suitable for preserving remained corals before the really long-term way will be found.

However I should admit significant value of the project for the community: Biorock corals attract tourists, and locals have got a source of revenues other than poaching and unsustainable fishing.

The original article is available via ECOS magazine website.

This post is a reprint of the original assignment for ENVM7202 Course, UQ, Semester 1 2009.