3D-Printed Recycled Structures Help Support Coral Growth in Penghu
A team of researchers from National Cheng Kung University are recycling oyster shells and dead coral into material to be used in 3D-printed structures that provide a foundation for coral to grow and a habitat for fish. Their technology is being advertised as a new form of ecotourism on the islands of Penghu in the Taiwan Strait.
Oyster shells and dead coral reefs – this ocean debris is getting a new life thanks to a team from the department of architecture at Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University.
They say this ocean debris can be recycled into weirs – think oceanic trellises or scaffolding – for coral to grow on. And they’re using 3D printing techniques to create the right kind of structure.
LIOU SHUUEN-REN, ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR, NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY (Tainan, Taiwan)
The structure must be extremely stable and not get washed away by ocean currents. It allows fish and shrimp to swim here. Because coral needs to branch out, it needs many holes. In the future, if our research and development succeeds, this can become a form of ecological education. While people are snorkeling, they can see this coexistence and integration with the ecosystem underwater.
These 3D-printed weirs made of recycled ocean materials present a surprisingly sturdy foundation for coral to grow on. And researchers in other countries, like Belgium and Denmark, are also interested in this technology.
CHANG SSU-HAN, PROJECT RESEARCHER, NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY (Tainan, Taiwan)
We transform traditional stone weirs into new ones. We then use the construction method and system we designed to place these recycled materials next to the old stone weirs.
The islands of Penghu in the Taiwan Strait are known for their traditional stone weirs, which serve as habitats for some fish. But as these new ones replace them, locals hope they can also usher in a new age for eco-tourism.
HSIAO PO-WEN, PENGHU LOCAL TEAM MEMBER (Tainan, Taiwan)
The entire marine ecosystem is already in crisis. We plan to make this part of our tourism so some tours can include environmental education. The people of Penghu are looking forward to it.
If the team’s technology succeeds in revitalizing the vacation spot’s coral reefs and habitats, it could attract more visitors looking for underwater beauty.
