Eco-engineers Strive to Save Endangered Marine Species

摘要

What first inspired the idea for your artificial reef system? "As highly experienced divers, we had seen first-hand the damage being done to aquatic ecosystems around the world, from Europe to Australia and Fiji. Once these fragile systems are undermined, they can reach a 'tipping point' where recovery is almost impossible. And we are not talking about the distant future... if no action is taken, there is a real danger that stocks of many species that people rely on for food could collapse within the next 30 years. Important commercial species such as scallops, crabs, lobsters and shoal fish are in an especially precarious situation. Their decline would not only severely damage the biodiversity of our oceans, but would also have a massive impact on the fishing communities around the world that depend on these species for their survival. As part of our diving experience, we had both been involved in marine conservation projects which aimed to create new habitats by using 'recycled' structures. A classic example would be to sink a disused ship in order to form an artificial reef. We began discussing ideas for a custom-designed artificial reef system: one that could be deployed quickly and cost-effectively and could offer additional benefits beyond marine conservation. This led to the founding of ARC Marine Ltd and the creation of Reef Cubes."