New artificial reef technology being tested in Nova Scotia
Artificial reefs have been deployed in waters in Nova Scotia in an attempt to grow kelp forest. IntelliReefs worked to restore coral settlements in the Caribbean before but this is the first time they are being tested in cold waters.
IntelliReefs, a sustainable marine solutions organization, is now conducting research in Nova Scotia to test out “bio-inspired marine structures cast from Oceanite,” which is a “complex matrix of minerals, developed specifically for diverse animal growth and immediate integration within local ecosystems.” This work aims to enhance biodiversity in cold waters and grow kelp.
IntelliReefs Director of Ocean Science Emily Higgins told The Weather Network that their technology incorporates “natural geological materials that you find in the seabed here in Nova Scotia” in order to “biomimic the hard seafloor that was supposed to be in this area.”
Higgins said Oceanite can provide plants and animals with places to settle and at the same time this introduced habitat, once built up, will dissipate wave force from oncoming storms and act as a natural coastal barrier from storm surge.
Watch the video above to learn more.
Thumbnail credit: Stefan Andrews/ Intellireefs
