Why EcoReefs? Our Six Key Benefits

EcoReefs installations slow water currents, shelter the small fish which keep coral clean and alive, and provide the necessary micro-environments for successful coral growth. Dolphin is pleased to have sourced a system that will contribute sensitively and positively to the marine environment in which we work.

Mr. Ahmed Ali al-Sayegh, CEO Dolphin Energy, Qatar

Catalyzes Reef Growth

EcoReefs initiates rapid establishment of coral reefs by leveraging key principles from the science of marine ecology. EcoReefs installations create the ecological conditions that help young corals survive and grow, and ultimately transform a barren area into a thriving coral reef.

Eco-Friendly Materials

EcoReefs modules are made from ceramic, an ideal material for delicate young coral recruits and transplants. Ceramic is pH neutral, non-toxic and chemically inert in seawater. Concrete and metal are poor choices for artificial reefs because they are chemically reactive in seawater, poisoning corals and other invertebrates. EcoReefs patented ceramic modules provide an excellent foundation for coral settlement, adhesion and growth.

Natural Appearance

Aesthetic considerations are extremely important, especially in shallow water areas where dive tourism is a primary use. EcoReefs modules are designed to be highly naturalistic, mimicking the growth habit of branching corals. Fish are immediately attracted, and the structure closely resembles a real coral reef. Over time, corals and other invertebrates fill in and overtop the structure to complete the living reef.

Scales to Large Projects

EcoReefs installations easily scale to meet the marine ecological enhancement needs of even the largest projects. All of the components are prefabricated and flat-packed in standard 20' & 40' shipping containers. Modules are quickly and easily assembled on site using simple hand tools. Large areas can be quickly enhanced with a minimum of logistics. Ecologically, the larger the installation, the greater the abundance and diversity of marine life.

Easy Logistics

EcoReefs have been engineered to minimize the need for heavy equipment for fast and easy installations. EcoReefs are lightweight ceramic modules (25kg) that can be easily installed using small boats. Assembly takes place on shore, and teams of divers complete the installation. No heavy lift equipment is required, which helps reduce costs and complexity. Installations can also be done in the dry during the pre-flood phase of coastal development projects.

Cost-Effective

EcoReefs projects are highly cost-effective. A study by Apostolakos et al (2007) found that EcoReefs provides more habitat for more organisms at a lower cost per organism compared to other common artificial reefs. This superior performance was attributed to the high amount of useable surface area per EcoReefs module (1.27m2) combined with the high suitability of ceramic for invertebrate settlement.

A study by Apostolakos et al (2007) compared EcoReefs to a variety of reef restoration methods in Indonesia, including tire reefs, rock piles, coral branch tips ("coral nubbins") transplanted onto bare substrate, electrified BioRock reefs, and a "do nothing" control. At hectare scale (10,000 m2), EcoReefs covers 84% of the site with useable substrate for invertebrate settlement-- more than twice the surface area of next best method (left chart). EcoReefs had the highest abundance of recruited fish and coral, with an estimated 240,000 individuals per hectare (center chart) -- Seven times more organisms the next best method.

Factoring organismic abundance (fish plus coral) against project cost, EcoReefs is by far the most cost effective with an average cost of US$2.10 per organism recruited (right chart) -- One-third the cost of the next best method.