Six 3D printed coral reefs installed on Monaco's ocean floor

Six 3D printed coral reefs installed on Monaco's ocean floor

“Two years ago, scientists observed the third-ever global bleaching of coral reefs, in what has been called the largest coral destruction in history.

But there may be a glimmer of hope: back in 2015, scientists at Monaco’s marine-protected Larvatto Bay unveiled six new 3D printed coral reefs in an effort to restore the area’s biodiversity. The massive reef structures, which measure 1.2 x 2 metres each, weigh a hefty 2,500 kilograms, and required 13+ hours of 3D printing time, were manufactured by Dutch maritime company Boskalis and supported by Monaco’s Prince Albert II Foundation. Constructed from Dolomite sand and volcanic ash, the 3D printed reefs, it was announced, would eventually be placed on the ocean floor, enabling scientists to study how these artificial reefs develop ecologically compared with natural reefs…”

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http://www.3ders.org/articles/20171106-3d-printed-coral-reefs-installed-on-monacos-ocean-floor.html

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20171106-3d-printed-coral-reefs-installed-on-monacos-ocean-floor.html