By Anders Lorenzen
ReefCircular, a technology company based in Hundested, a port in Denmark, has claimed significant progress in creating artificial reefs.
After the company started its first tests in June last year, the results revealed positive effects in their marine biodiversity project. It was observed that a month after installation, the artificial reef was 100% covered in algae and other ocean organisms, creating an ideal hiding place, especially for young fish.
This quickly attracted breeding fish and other species with habitats on the ocean floor, including some unexpected arrivals such as cod and seals, which the people behind the project hail as having strong potential.
ReefCircular: We are exceeding expectations
The positive biodiversity data showed an increased marine life traffic by the reef installations compared to zones outside it. Since the start of the project, over 2.3 million visits have been registered, exceeding expectations and underlining the efficiency of the artificial reefs that the company have produced out of clay.
The Danish-based company hopes that this will create a pathway for additional marine biodiversity projects in Denmark as well as abroad.
ReefCircular’s big ambitions
ReefCircular has big ambitions, and with a global marketing potential of $1.9 billion, the company sees massive possibilities for its product. In Denmark alone, they believe it can make a big difference. On the back of its promising results, there is a strong case for implementing similar projects across Danish territorial marine areas.
Artificial reefs can tackle biodiversity losses coastal protection
The company’s co-founder, Kathryn Larsen, points out that the reef, tailored to where it was installed, not only increases biodiversity but can also play a role in protecting the coast. This is crucial for Denmark, one of the lowest-lying countries in Europe.
Larsen further explains that the core objective is to strengthen the ocean environment nationally, while working towards a significant worldwide expansion.
ReefCircular can offer positive impacts globally
Larsen, who trained as an architect, believes that the results indicate an essential milestone for developing biodiversity in oceans as well as for ReefCircular. “We have now proved that our designs not only attract the desired species but also to a much greater extent than we expected and we see the opportunities for scaling up and increasing our efforts in Denmark and worldwide”, the ReefCircular co-founder said.
According to the company, the test results show that these artificial reefs can be designed to attract specific species, which can have a significant impact on biodiversity. We could create optimal habitats and ecosystems where species can thrive and expand, which can be a significant advantage for restoration projects on a global scale.
Anders Lorenzen is the founding Editor of A greener life, a greener world.
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