The reef is made of small plastic structures that mimic natural coralline algae. Image credit: University of Portsmouth
The calcium carbonate structure of coralline algae renders these organisms vulnerable to ocean acidification. Coralline algae form reefs that are able to host different species to create highly diverse and complex environments.
In an effort to protect such ecosystems from the effects of climate change, University of Portsmouth, UK, researchers are constructing artificial reefs in the Mediterranean Sea. Small biodegradable plastic structures that mimic natural coralline algae are being used to install 90 synthetic mini reefs 10 cm in diameter. Each will feature 20 fronds made of a highly elastic rubber material, known as silicon elastomer, anchored in clear resin.
The researchers will deploy the ‘mimics’ close to existing coralline algae reefs in the Mediterranean Sea over a 12-month period. The aim is to see if they are able to host species, similar to their natural counterparts, and protect them against the effects of climate change, as well as acting as scaffolds for natural coralline algae reefs to grow.
The first mimics have been put in place. After a year, the natural reefs and mimics, along with their associated fauna, will be exposed to future climate change scenarios projected for 2100 (IPCC 2014) under controlled conditions.
The project is a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth, the National Research Council (Italy’s largest public research institution) and MedClimaLizers, an international research collaboration that will lead to improvements in understanding biomineralization in the changing waters of the Mediterranean.
