Virgin Islands Turn to 3D Printing to Revive Coral Reefs

Over the past few decades, we have increasingly seen the impact that climate change is having on our world. One of the first and clearest signs was the destruction of coral reefs worldwide, including the Great Barrier Reef, as NASA scientists estimate that up to 90% are at risk of being wiped out by 2050. This obviously has led to researchers searching for ways to not just stop this destruction but also build up those already affecting. Notably, many countries are turning towards 3D printing as they seek to revive their coral reefs. The latest example is in the British Virgin Islands, where the government is working with the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) and Rethink Rebuild Regenerating “rrreefs” to do just that.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located in the Caribbean, just east of Puerto Rico and next to the US Virgin Islands. What is exceptional is that every island in the BVI is surrounded by coral reefs, including the Anegada Horseshoe Reef, which, at 18 miles long, is not only one of the largest continuous coral reefs in the Caribbean but in the world. However, due to hurricanes, bleaching events, climate change and human activity, more than 90% of these reefs have been endangered since 2005. It is for this reason that coral reef preservation and revival is such a priority for the government.

The British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean is composed of a number of islands, many of them surrounded by coral (photo credits: Government of the Virgin Islands)

Ms. Argel Horton, a Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, is, however, particularly hopeful about the role that 3D printing will play in helping to bring these coral reefs back to life with this project. She explains, “Once it starts thriving, it can be replicated and integrated into our existing reef system so the Territory’s coastal defense can protect us from intense hurricanes, storms, and flooding in our critical low lining communities. We would be the second in the Caribbean to test this system, and I’m eager to see how well it will work within our region.”

3D Printed Coral Reefs in the Caribbean

Like similar projects in other parts of the world, ARK and rrreefs turned to clay 3D printing to create these artificial coral reefs. The material is natural, making it environmentally-friendly while staying sturdy enough for its purpose. They do not mention exactly what 3D printing process was used, but given the material, it is likely to be extrusion.

The 3D printed reef is question is 20 cubic meters and contains 254 bricks, produced in Switzerland. The resulting structure was then assembled on-site at a popular snorkeling and dive site at Cistern Rock off Cooper Island. And it isn’t just the material that is natural, ARK and rrreefs kept it in mind for the design of the underwater modular clay reef. The Managing Director for ARK, Dr. Shannon Gore, explained more concretely, “The design of these 3D printed bricks can be seamlessly integrated within deteriorating reefs to rebuild areas that are no longer able to protect shorelines from erosion.”

The 3D printed coral at the bottom of the sea, where it is hoped to help revitalize the coral reefs in the region (photo credits: Berta McKelly Adam/Government of the Virgin Islands)

ARK will continue to monitor the structure and record how it enhances marine diversity, notably in terms of recruiting coral, fish and other marine life, over the next two years. Furthermore, two more reefs are expected to be installed later this year, including one in the Philippines and another in Ecuador. Marie Griesmar, Co-Founder of ARK, concluded, “We look forward to seeing how this reef evolves over the coming years and how we can implement more of these types of reefs in the BVI.” You can find out more on the Website of the Government of the Virgin Islands HERE.

What do you think of the use of 3D printing to revive coral reefs in the British Virgin Islands? Where do you think we will see the next project? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*Cover Photo Credits: Berta McKelly Adam/Government of the Virgin Islands