This is the third of a five-part series discussing the importance and future of ocean reef systems. Be sure to read parts one and two!
Although coral reefs are facing the threat of extinction due to human activity, they are also being given the opportunity for rebirth at the hands of people all over the world through artificial reef creation. 
Many of these are metal structures such as aircraft, crane booms, and steel pipes, and the possibilities are almost limitless for what can become a base for a new reef system. Depending on the size and shape of the structure, it is feasible to see regeneration of a an ecosystem that supports millions of species.
There are more creative solutions than repurposing, such as the underwater sculptures produced by Jason de Caires Taylor, an English born conservationist, underwater photographer, and SCUBA dive instructor with a BA Honors degree in Sculpture and Ceramics. This unique combination of interests formed the symbiotic basis for the ultimate artificial reef project, which began off the shores of Grenada following a devastating hurricane in 2004.
The striking aspect of Taylor’s installments is their tendency to take human form. He does this as a way of speaking to the human interaction with nature in a positive light, with the human shapes changing according to the natural progression of coral and other reef life. He uses substances like glass, ceramic tile, marine grade cement, sand and silica in constructing his pieces, in order to ensure the structure has a neutral pH and is free of pollutants. His initial project was met with such applause he has gone on to create other underwater sculpture parks in parts of the Caribbean, England, and Mexico. Their ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of people has led to natural reef systems being given the time and space they need to heal, as well as raise awareness to their plight.
Off the coast of Miami, Florida lies the biggest artificial reef system yet created: The Neptune Memorial Reef. This man-made structure opened in 2007 to serve not only as an artificial reef, but as a green burial ground. Neptune Memorial Reef currently spans across 16 acres of the sea floor, and hopes to inter the remains of more than 100,000. This type of reef creation serves many purposes, as a destination for divers to explore, visit loved ones who have passed on, and closely monitor the progress of the developing ecosystem.
Not all good intentions have been rewarded, however, as can be seen by the damage still being done from the implementation of used tires to construct artificial reefs. One of the most famous of these is Osborne Reef, originally constructed in the 1970s off the coast of Ft Lauderdale, FL. Not only did the tire material prove to be unattractive to marine life, therefore neutralizing efforts to repopulate, but the nylon and steel bands used to hold the entire structure together quickly degenerated, causing loose tires to careen about the sea unencumbered. In addition to halting what little growth was beginning due to constant mobility, severe storms and waves have slammed them into natural reefs, causing mass devastation. The two million tires used for the installation continue to cause damage and wash ashore, despite diligent efforts to extract them.
Of course, there are still many natural reefs that have suffered less negative impact, and much is being done to conserve the health and life of these systems, as we will explore in tomorrow’s article.
Photos via Rafael Robayna, michaelb1, Elkman, tiswango
