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Biorock®
Technology Joni Lawrence July 17, 2006 Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet yet they are also one of the most fragile ecosystems in the ocean. Scientists estimate that by 2050 we may have already lost up to 70% of the world’s coral reefs unless immediate action is taken. Though it is feasible that some of the problems causing coral reef destruction such as fishing with cyanide and dynamite can be stopped quickly if enough effort is made, other problems, such as global warming, are long-term and may not be reversed in time to save the reefs from dying. Fortunately, the Biorock® Process is a unique technology that is being taught and implemented worldwide and has successfully restored damaged reefs, even in areas under stress such as increased surface temperatures, pollution, and sedimentation. The Biorock® Process is a revolutionary mineral accretion technology that accelerates coral growth through the application of a safe, low-voltage electrical current through seawater to a metal structure, which causes minerals in seawater to crystallize onto the metal structure forming calcium carbonate white limestone structures similar to those produced by coral animals. Corals adhere to the newly formed limestone and these new Biorock® structures are quickly populated by the marine species that inhabit coral reefs such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, sharks, and rays. Coral growth on these structures is accelerated because of the electrical current that creates optimal chemical conditions, a high pH, on the surface of the limestone crystals and on the surface of the corals’ limestone skeletons speeding their growth. Under normal circumstances, corals expend a lot of energy creating these chemical conditions, but because the mineral accretion provides the right conditions, the corals are free to use their energy to grow and reproduce. The Biorock® Process is a cost-effective and extremely successful method of restoring damaged coral ecosystems and preventing further decline in areas where human and environmental stressors have caused extensive damage. Successful Biorock® projects can be found in: Indonesia, Jamaica, Maldives, Mexico, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Saya de Malha, Seychelles, Thailand, and Palau. The Process was developed by Wolf Hilbertz and Dr. Tom Goreau, president of the Global Coral Reef Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of volunteer scientists, divers, environmentalists and other individuals and organizations committed to coral reef preservation that use the Biorock® Process to build, restore, and maintain coral reefs. A Biorock® reef restoration workshop is being held in Gili Trawangan November 13-20 2006 and is open to anyone interested being trained in the design, construction, and monitoring of Biorock structures, which can benefit dive operators, resort managers, conservation groups, coastal zone managers, fishing communities, marine scientists, etc. Biorock® is a registered trademark of Biorock, Inc. The Biorock® Process is owned by Biorock, Inc. and licensed to the GCRA. To read more about the Biorock Process visit the Global Coral Reef Alliance: www.globalcoral.org. |
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