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How to Repair Coral Reefs

Repairing damaged and dying coral reefs is important for protecting ocean wildlife and beachfront development. Coral reefs are living coral polyps growing on ocean rocks that protect beaches and coastlines from strong waves and erosion and lessen the effects of tsunamis and strong tropical storms. Coral reefs are also home to many different species of marine life, like tropical fish and aquatic plants. There are multiple approaches to repairing coral reefs, but using them all in conjunction produces the best results.

Things You'll Need

Concrete reef balls
Ceramic settlement plates
Wire grids
Golf tees

Instructions

- 1
  Place concrete reef balls and ceramic settlement plates on the seafloor. These man-made objects help reef production by becoming hosts on which coral polyps can grow, much like natural rock formations. Old subway cars, tires and any steel or concrete structures can also be used.
- 2
  Place fishing restrictions on protected reef areas. Limiting fishing on and around coral reefs removes the risks of overfishing, fishing-related pollution and the likelihood of ship groundings. These risks are some of the main causes of coral reef degradation.
- 3
  Transplant existing coral to new locations by attaching live coral to golf tees on a wire grid. Place these grids in shallow and bright ocean areas to increase the chance of survival and growth.

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