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The Philippines belong to the Coral Triangle, a marine region between the Pacific and Indian ocean with at least 500 species of reef-building corals. Corals, characterized by their hard skeleton and their symbiotic relationship with microscopic organisms called zooxanthellae are the foundation of coral reef ecosystems. The intricate array of marine organisms are dependent on these coral reef ecosystems since coral reefs are the prominent breeding, feeding, shelter, and nursery for a wide array of marine organisms. Just like the rainforests in the terrestrial environment, the coral reefs bring life to the ocean by its ability to support and nurture aquatic life. Without the coral reefs, all the benefits it provides will cease to exist and the biodiversity in the ocean will decline.
Since most coral reefs occur in shallow water, they are particularly vulnerable to threats induced by direct exploitation of marine resources as well as indirect effects of human activities on land. The warming of ocean temperature is one of the leading menaces to the health of corals since the rise in temperature causes corals to lose the microscopic algae that provides its nourishment. Additionally, the coral reefs also suffer from physical damage caused by destructive fishing practices and water pollutants that originate on land. These threats cause the population of the delicate coral reefs to decline.
In response to the decline of the coral reef population, artificial reefs were designed and intentionally placed to protect, enhance, and restore the balance in the marine ecosystem. Artificial reefs were carefully crafted to mimic the nature of marine habitats in order to boost fish populations and increase economic productivity. The rigorous and intensive planning of artificial reefs is important to avoid the ecological and economic effects of poor design. One quick example of ineffective artificial reef design was the deployment of automobile tires in the United States back in the 1970s wherein the tires drifted onto adjacent live coral reefs and beaches and the removal of the poorly planned structure cost 5 million USD.
The design of artificial reef systems has advanced in recent years in several areas where it incorporates the stability of the reef site, durability of the artificial reef, and the potential effect of the reef in the environment. Oceanographic and local conditions, water circulation caused by tides and winds, distribution, depth of the reef, and most importantly, the reef material's weight, density, dimensions, and strength were also being carefully considered. Artificial reef systems have great potential that can benefit both the human and marine environment. The successful installation of artificial reef systems can provide nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for marine wildlife. It also protects commercially important species allowing maximum economic output for the nearby coastal communities. Furthermore, artificial reef systems can become a hotspot for eco-tourism activities such as snorkeling and diving which is attractive to local and foreign tourists.
Artificial Reefs, as defined in the implementing rules and regulation of Republic Act 8550, or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines as amended by Republic Act 10654, are any structure of natural or man-made materials placed in a body of water to serve as shelter and habitat, a source of food, breeding areas for fishery species and shoreline protection. The artificial reef structures were built using varying materials which are made from wood, concrete, PVC’s, fiberglass, metals, plastics, pulverized coal ashes, tires, and marine alloys. These materials will function as points of attachment where corals, sponges, sea anemones, and algae can naturally grow. But it is important to note that the materials utilized will determine how effective the artificial reef is since not all materials make the best points of anchorage for marine life. The list below shows the efficiency of reef materials.
Reef Friendly Materials/Structures:
Concrete Structures - concrete blocks, culverts, pipes, and precast structures are examples of constructions that can imitate the natural anchorage of corals, making it simpler for the corals to anchor to. It is environmentally friendly and cost-effective since the materials are also affordable and durable.
Sunken Structures - decommissioned vessels such as ships, boats, cars, jeepneys, and buses offer large spaces for coral reef growth and to increase seafood production of the area. It is also important to note that the decommissioned vessel needs to be cleaned thoroughly before its submersion in order for it to not release any toxic materials that can harm the marine environment.
Scrap Metals - they are eco-friendly materials that are readily available and can be used to mold the structure of the artificial reef. It can give the artificial reef its character and story which can entice divers and tourists hereby boosting the recreational activities of the nearby coastal communities.
Biodegradable Structures - made from biogenic materials, these biodegradable artificial reef structures not only allows the anchorage of corals but also initiates the establishment of reef-building species within the reef structure.
Ineffective Reef Materials/Structures:
Structures made with Tire - the primary drawback of tires as an artificial reef is the harmful chemicals that it releases when it degrades. These harmful chemicals can affect marine life and the quality of water making tires not suitable to become artificial reefs in the long run. Additionally, the irregular surface of the tire and its slimy surface makes them less effective as a substrate for coral growth. These types of structures can also be dislodged easily during strong currents and storms.
Structures made with Plastics - plastics may be durable however, it is light making it easier to be dragged by strong currents and typhoons. They do not biodegrade making their stay longer hindering the growth of marine life by polluting and overcrowding the ocean waters.
As the coral reef population faces its decline due to numerous challenges and threats caused by natural disasters and human-induced activities, it is highly important to take the initiative in reversing the situation. Employing various strategies to protect and preserve these remarkable ecosystems is not only essential for the increase of biodiversity but also for the stakeholders, communities, and economies dependent on its health and vitality. With all these being said, it is important to always remember that:
“The best way to conserve coral reefs is to protect the remaining reefs.”
Gregg Yan, Founder of Best Alternatives Campaign
