Composition suitable for aquatic habitat repair, replacement and/or enhancement

摘要

The current invention provides an improved material for the repair, replacement, and/or enhancement of aquatic habitats. It is a composition for use as a replacement for concrete or as a coating for concrete in structures such as artificial reefs. The combination of calcium carbonate (preferably Aragonite), a resin (preferably a marine use resin or Dion ISO 6631), and a catalyst results in a composition that is strong, durable, easy to use, and compatible with aquatic life. The current invention can be used to fabricate structures for use as a foundation for the repair and regeneration of damaged coral reefs. The organically enhanced nature of the composition facilitates the attachment and growth of coral and algae and is compatible with other aquatic life. The composition can be fabricated into slab form and used as a surface for coral farming/seeding for eventual transplantation of live coral species. The composition can be used to fabricate artificial reef modules as described in the prior art and to duplicate certain species of hard coral. This product can also be used to build structures that will help protect shorelines from erosion. When cast in a molded process, the composition can be used for the formation of aesthetically pleasing formations (replicas of hard coral species) that are also suitable for use in aquariums. The composition can also be used to fabricate structures to be used in freshwater environments to enhance habitats used by desirable fish species for spawning.