Marine conservationists restore reefs by creating artificial reefs and other varying tools. More often, they are made from different materials from natural to synthetic materials, and come in varying styles and shapes. Artificial reefs are created in order to provide a stable area where corals can grow, as well as serve as a habitat for fishes and other organisms. The goal is to create an environment that is nearly similar as the natural habitat. Originally, these artificial reefs have been used to encourage the growth of nearly natural ecosystem for fishes and other organisms however current artificial reefs are now used to increase the rates of fish catch.
Today, creating artificial reef using plasma cutter has increasingly becoming a fad. A plasma cutter with efficient air consumption can create designs that can make coral reefs appear interesting and not dull. In addition, the materials used range from stainless steel and aluminum to copper and brass. These are generally non-toxic materials that provide structural diversity and smooth texture supporting the several goals of making artificial reefs such as –
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Promoting habitat diversity and replacing structure in areas where it has been lost but it artificial reefs created by plasma cutter can also be used to create designs for aquarium
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Enhancing local marine resources and improve biodiversity by increasing the number of available structures
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Provide dive/snorkeling areas to relieve the pressure of tourism on natural reefs
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Using plasma cutting technology to create art-inspired and creative reef designs to improve awareness of the general public about reef issues.
The abovementioned things are just few of the many goals why we create artificial reefs today. Regardless of the goals are, it is important that we acknowledge the fact that artificial reefs can only work on areas where the water quality is still best for coral growth. However, creating these artificial reefs alone does not suffice. Its usage still depends on established rules and regulations so that we can protect sea organisms as well as prevent threats that may befall on them. However, if our only goal is to create a holistic program for coral reef restoration then this can be the best laid out plan there is.
Some of the best modular units for artificial reefs include steel, cement or glass. These smaller units have the advantage of being easy to deploy considering it is light enough to be carried by volunteers to the specific area and then easily assemble these smaller units into larger structures under the sea.
Steel can be designed using plasma cutter into varying styles and shapes depending on what the restoration program decides to follow. However, there are a few basic things that you need to know first before going about the coral restoration program including the decision on whether you need to use varying materials or focus on one material and create multiple designs.
Regardless of the reasons why you need to create an artificial reef – whether it is for coral restoration or to increase fish catch rates as it has been in the past – the most important factor would be to choose which material works and which wouldn’t considering that you are dealing with underwater creatures. These creatures are more complex than you can imagine with different needs especially with their habitats. Sometimes, design is not what matters but the resilience of the material and whether it works or not.
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