Biorock reef restoration, Indonesia C016 / 8109

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Biorock reef restoration, Indonesia C016 / 8109

Biorock reef restoration. Marine biologists attaching coral fragments to a Biorock reef restoration structure. The Biorock process was developed by Thomas Goreau and Wolf Hilbertz in the 1970 s. Electricity is used to promote the deposition of calcium carbonate, which builds up on the surface of the structure giving hard corals a base to bond to. The process is thought to accelerate coral growth by up to four times - however, it has been suggested that simple wire meshes are just as effective. The resulting reef of hard coral soon attracts other inhabitants and the process has been touted as a way to rehabilitate reefs in all tropical areas. Photographed in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 9221031

© MATTHEW OLDFIELD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Artificial Reef Attaching Bio Rock Biologists Biorock Biorock Coral Restoration Area Checking Cnidarian Cnidarians Coral Corals Damage Damaged Degradation Degraded Device Diver Divers Diving Ecological Ecology Electricity Electrolysis Environmental Science Fixing Fragment Fragments Frame Gili Trawangan Hard Corals Indo Pacific Indonesia Indonesian Lombok Marine Biologist Mineral Accretion Pollution Reef Rehabilitating Rehabilitation Repair Restoration Scientist Scientists Scuba South East Asia Southeast Asia Underwater Securing

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable process of Biorock reef restoration in Indonesia. Marine biologists can be seen diligently attaching coral fragments to a Biorock reef restoration structure, which was developed by Thomas Goreau and Wolf Hilbertz in the 1970s. The innovative technique utilizes electricity to promote the deposition of calcium carbonate, creating a solid foundation for hard corals to bond with. Believed to accelerate coral growth up to four times faster than natural methods, this groundbreaking process has been hailed as a potential solution for rehabilitating reefs across tropical regions. However, some argue that simple wire meshes may yield similar results. Nevertheless, the resulting reef of thriving hard corals quickly becomes an inviting habitat for various marine inhabitants. The image showcases the harmonious collaboration between humans and nature as scientists work tirelessly underwater to repair and secure damaged coral fragments using advanced technology. This technological approach known as electrolysis is aimed at combating degradation caused by pollution and other environmental factors. Set against the backdrop of Gili Trawangan in Lombok, Indonesia, this photograph encapsulates both the beauty and fragility of our oceans' ecosystems. It serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's ability to restore balance in nature through scientific intervention while highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts worldwide. Photographer Matthew Oldfield skillfully captures this momentous endeavor that combines biology, ecology, zoology, and environmental science into one impactful image that inspires hope for future generations committed to preserving our precious marine life.

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