Reef Balls helping to save natural reefs
Divers prepare to deploy a Reef Ball. The
concrete balls are helping to conserve natural reef
systems.
Even though environmental
conservation efforts are constantly at the
forefront of the underwater industry,
natural disasters and human activities do
more harm to the natural reefs of the
world's oceans every day. The Reef Ball
Development Group. Ltd., is working to
help restore the oceans' natural resources
by installing more than 1,010() Reef Balls
on the ocean floor each month.
What is a Reel Ball, you ask?' Although it sounds like some new extreme sport, it is actually a manmade
habitat strategically placed on the ocean door to restore cling coral reefs and become a secure
breeding ground for various types of marine life. Reef Balls arc made of a special
marine-friendly concrete and are designed to n mimic natural reef systems. The balls come
in custom sizes, ranging from sit to 6,000 pounds, to best match the natural reef type being
mimicked.
The Reef Ball Development Group, Ltd., has patented the design and works with non-profit groups
like the Reef Ball Coalition and the Reef Ball Foundation to promote their use. The artificial reefs have
been deployed around the world. including the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans. They are also
used in bays, canals, lakes, estuaries, and as breakwaters for beach erosion and protection.
Divers are most often involved in installing Reef Balls in floating deployment situations, which are
usually smaller projects. In these situations, the divers assure proper placement during installation, and
then retrieve the Polyform buoys and straps used in die process.
"We are always concerned with safety, and without proper care it could be a dangerous situation:"
says Jay Jorgensen of the Reef Ball Development Group. 'After the balls sink, the bladder is released
and can shoot to the top with considerable torte. Therefore, you don't want to be directly above a
deployment. You don't want to he below, either, for obvious reasons - like falling concrete:'
When deploying larger Reef Balls with a barge and crane, divers are used for visual monitoring. The
diver is able to use the Polyform bladder inside the balls to help maneuver them into position. "If they
do not properly deploy, divers can be used to properly move them into place or get them upright:" says
Jorgensen. "Typically, air bags are used to move the Reef Balls around after they tire deployed, if
Reef Balls helping to save natural reefs........
