EP4319547A1 - Récif artificiel - Google Patents

Récif artificiel

Info

Publication number
EP4319547A1
EP4319547A1 EP21728281.3A EP21728281A EP4319547A1 EP 4319547 A1 EP4319547 A1 EP 4319547A1 EP 21728281 A EP21728281 A EP 21728281A EP 4319547 A1 EP4319547 A1 EP 4319547A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
artificial reef
units
reef
central pole
artificial
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21728281.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Philippe Blanc
Anne Basseres
Matthieu LAPINSKI
Julien DALLE
Alexandre MUSNIER
Martin PERROT
Joffrey CAPET
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Seaboost
TotalEnergies Onetech SAS
Original Assignee
Seaboost
TotalEnergies Onetech SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seaboost, TotalEnergies Onetech SAS filed Critical Seaboost
Publication of EP4319547A1 publication Critical patent/EP4319547A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K61/00—Culture of aquatic animals
    • A01K61/70—Artificial fishing banks or reefs
    • A01K61/73—Artificial fishing banks or reefs assembled of components
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
    • Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an artificial reef and to a new method and strategy of restoring coral reefs.
  • Coral reefs are extremely complex marine ecosystems which serve as food, shelter and protection for a multitude of marine animals and plants, including vital links in the food chain such as crustaceans, sponges, and invertebrates.
  • Coral reefs are thought by many scientists to be the most biologically diverse, species-rich and productive ecosystems on the earth.
  • Coral reefs occupy approximately 0.2 % of the world's ocean surfaces and are home to nearly a million marine species, including a quarter of all fish species.
  • Coral reefs also provide several important benefits to the world's population, such as tourism, private and commercial fishing, mainland and island protection, medicines, and ecological indications.
  • Document CN 110606715 A relates to a latticed concrete artificial coral reef comprising a coral reef body, wherein a rough surface facilitating coral larvae and calcified algae spore attachment is arranged on the coral reef body.
  • the artificial coral reef further comprises fixing holes and simulated corals arranged on the coral reef body.
  • Document CN 210808819 U relates to a coral repair type artificial fish reef which comprises a hollow curved main body, a first opening formed on the top end of the main body, and a second opening formed on the bottom end of the main body; the first opening and the second opening extending outwards to be provided with rolling openings, and the rolling openings and the body being integrally formed.
  • Document KR 101681578 B1 relates to a tetrapod having a fishing bank function, comprising a tetrapod mounted on a breakwater; and a groove formed outside the tetrapod.
  • Document KR 20130104609 A relates to a marine algae attachment block comprising a porous structure having multiple embosses and holes.
  • such block further comprises a rope for cultivation of marine algae wound on the outer surface of the porous structure.
  • Document WO 2020/107576 A1 relates to a composite-concrete artificial reef for ecological restoration of coral reefs, comprising concrete reef and iron fibers which are distributed over the surface of the concrete reef.
  • Document WO 02/068762 A1 relates to an artificial reef module for coral reef remediation which includes a central body having an upper plate, a middle plate, a lower plate, a plurality of primary tines extending from such plates and a plurality of secondary tines extending from the primary tines.
  • Document WO 2014/007926 A1 relates to an artificial reef molded from a mixture of environmentally friendly homogenized organic and inorganic materials, cement, and aggregates of sand and gravel.
  • Document WO 2020/107576 A1 relates to an artificial ecological reef made of a composite concrete material for the ecological restoration of coral reefs.
  • the artificial ecological reef comprises a concrete reef body, wherein iron fibers are at least distributed on a surface of the concrete reef body.
  • It is a first object of the invention to provide an artificial reef comprising: a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a central pole having an upper extremity and a lower extremity, the central pole being connected perpendicularly to the upper surface of the base plate by its lower extremity; a peripheral structure fixed to the upper surface of the base plate and disposed around the central pole, said peripheral structure being formed of a plurality of interconnected units having different orientations.
  • the peripheral structure is a substantially hemispherical structure.
  • the artificial reef comprises from 10 to 20 units, and preferably 15 units.
  • At least one unit, and more preferably all the units are plates having an inner surface oriented towards the central pole, an outer surface oriented away from the central pole, and a polygonal, preferably hexagonal perimeter.
  • the units are fixed together via respective edges of their polygonal, preferably hexagonal perimeters.
  • the inner and/or outer surface of the units preferably the outer surface, comprises a ridge surrounding a central recess.
  • the ridge is polygonal-shaped, preferably hexagonal-shaped.
  • the ridge comprises an inner wall oriented towards the recess and an outer wall oriented away from the recess, the inner wall and/or the outer wall being preferably provided with multiple grooves.
  • the peripheral structure comprises openings between the base plate and some of the units, and/or between some of the units.
  • the openings are polygonal-shaped, preferably pentagonal-shaped.
  • the units are interconnected by internal rods extending from each unit to an adjacent unit, and are preferably fixed together by mortar.
  • one or more surfaces of each unit comprises a three-dimensional structuring selected from grooves, projections, depressions and protrusions, defining concavities having a dimension from 100 pm to 100 mm.
  • one or more surfaces of each unit comprises pores having a mean diameter from 0.1 to 3 mm.
  • the artificial reef comprises at least one additional structure comprising a cavity, located between the central pole and the peripheral structure.
  • the artificial reef comprises a flexible element having at least one end attached to the central pole and/or the peripheral structure.
  • the flexible element comprises a network of flexible strands, fixed between two flexible bands extending in a longitudinal direction and secured together, the two flexible bands having at least an edge and said strands having a portion projecting from said at least one edge in a transverse direction.
  • the central pole comprises a through- hole, proximate to the upper extremity of the central pole.
  • the invention also relates to a method for the restoration of coral reefs, the method comprising: placing at least one artificial reef, in a first marine area comprising corals, so as to colonize the artificial reef with corals from the first area; transporting the at least one colonized artificial reef to a second marine area, so as to promote the colonization of the second area with corals.
  • the artificial reef is as detailed above.
  • the second marine area is initially devoid of corals or comprises damaged corals.
  • the artificial reef is transported over a distance equal to or lower than 50 km.
  • the colonization of the second area is carried out by coral larvae originating from the artificial reef, and/or by coral larvae attracted to the second area by the artificial reef.
  • the present invention enables to meet the abovementioned needs.
  • the invention provides an artificial reef (and also a restoration method) that makes it possible to efficiently restore coral reefs in damaged marine areas, notably by enabling translocation of colonized artificial reefs on a large scale, while maintaining the taxonomic and genetic diversity of corals and possibly without asexual or sexual transplantation of the corals.
  • the artificial reef comprises a peripheral structure fixed to the upper surface of the base plate and disposed around the central pole, said peripheral structure being formed of a plurality of interconnected units having different orientations and elevation from the seabed.
  • the artificial reef which has different orientations and provides different conditions (such as temperature, current exposure, sunlight exposure, sensitivity to siltation, orientation of substrate relative to gravity, elevation from the substrate) for the development of the coral populations depending on the respective orientation and geometry of the various units.
  • the specific structure of the artificial reef according to the invention favors sexual reproduction of the corals (which involves natural settlement of planulae, growth, survival and future spawning) and thus avoids a transplantation step.
  • additional structures comprising cavities to shelter high trophic level species such as groupers or snappers limit the development of corallivorous species.
  • the presence of flexible elements such as ropes mimicking artificial seagrass allow the presence of herbivorous species to limit the expansion of macroalgae. In other words, this makes it possible to optimize natural colonization of the artificial reef by corals, therefore saving the need for assisted colonization through transplantation for example, and saving significant manpower and resources for large scale applications.
  • the method according to the present invention makes it possible to restore coral reefs in marine areas which have been damaged, for instance by pollution or mechanical disruption, with representative species, and after the identified pressure has been reduced.
  • This is made possible by placing the artificial reef in a first marine area comprising healthy corals (in other words in an area which has not been substantially damaged), so as to allow healthy corals to colonize the artificial reef, and then by transporting the colonized artificial reef to a second (damaged) marine area, so as to so as to improve the colonization of the second area, thanks to the colonized artificial reef.
  • the installation of the colonized artificial reef on the second area has two effects. Firstly, mature and productive corals emit larvae, which colonize the environment to be restored. Secondly, the larvae are attracted by coral environments (especially noise). This means that the artificial reef can attract larvae present in the environment and catalyze the attachment of larvae in the second marine area.
  • the present invention allows the translocation of the colonized artificial reef and the restoration of coral reefs and associated ecological functions in damaged areas.
  • the translocation of the entire artificial reef including the coral colonies and their substrate minimizes stress and improves the survival rate and reproductive capacity of the coral colonies translocated to the damaged site.
  • the artificial reef of the present invention is easy and relatively cheap to manufacture and assemble, and easy to move from one marine area to another marine area.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an artificial reef according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the artificial reef according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the artificial reef according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4A illustrates a perspective view of a part of the artificial reef according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4B illustrates a bottom view of a part of the artificial reef according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the artificial reef 1 comprises a base plate 2 having an upper surface 2a and a lower surface (not illustrated in the figures) opposite to the upper surface 2a.
  • the lower surface 2a of the base plate 2 in contact with the ground, and more particularly with the bottom of the ocean (or sea).
  • the base plate 2 may preferably have a substantially circular perimeter (thus the upper and lower surfaces may have a substantially circular perimeter). Alternatively, the base plate 2 may have a polygonal perimeter.
  • the base plate 2 may have a substantially constant thickness between the upper surface 2a and the lower surface.
  • the base plate 2 may have a diameter from 1 to 10 m, and preferably from 1 to 5 m.
  • diamete refers to the maximum dimension of the base plate 2 (perpendicular to the thickness of the base plate 2).
  • the thickness of the base plate 2 may vary across the upper surface 2a. More particularly, as illustrated in figure 2, the base plate 2 may comprise one or more zones 2b on its upper surface 2a, which have a reduced thickness (relative to the rest of the base plate 2) and which may be configured to receive some of the plurality of units 4. For example, as illustrated in figure 2, the base plate 2 comprises peripheral zones 2b wherein the thickness of the base plate 2 is reduced, relative to a central portion of the upper surface 2a.
  • These reduced thickness zones 2b may be beveled, planar zones.
  • the angle between each reduced thickness zone 2b and the central portion of the upper surface 2a may be from 0 to 90°, preferably from 10 to 80°.
  • Each reduced thickness zone 2b may be delimited from the central portion of the upper surface 2a by a respective inner edge. Said inner edges may collectively form a polygon, preferably a pentagon surrounding the central portion.
  • all reduced inner thickness zones 2b have the same shape and dimensions, and the polygon formed by their inner edges is a regular polygon.
  • the base plate 2 may comprise one or more orifices 2c (for example from 1 to 15, and preferably from 5 to 15 orifices 2c, and more preferably 10 orifices 2c) for connecting some of the units 4 to the base plate 2 (as will be explained later).
  • the orifices 2c may preferably be located within such zones 2b.
  • the base plate 2 may also comprise (on its upper surface 2a) one or more furrows 2d for the connection of one or more (preferably two) structures that comprise a cavity, between the base plate 2, the central pole 3 and the units 4 (as will be explained below). These cavities are useful as they may provide shelter and protection for a multitude of marine animals such as fish.
  • the lower surface of the base plate 2 is preferably flat in order to facilitate the stable positioning of the artificial reef 1 at the bottom of the ocean.
  • the base plate 2 may be made from a material chosen from concrete, steel, wood and combinations thereof.
  • the artificial reef 1 further comprises a central pole 3 having an upper extremity 3a and a lower extremity 3b and a sidewall between 3c the upper extremity 3a and the lower extremity 3b.
  • the central pole 3 is connected perpendicularly to the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2 by its lower extremity 3b and preferably at the center of the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2.
  • the connection may be performed owing to reinforcing struts arranged in the concrete matrix, and extending from the base plate 2 to the central pole 3.
  • the base plate 2 may be manufactured first, with reinforcing struts extending from said base plate 2, and then the concrete for the central pole 3 may be poured onto these strut extensions.
  • the central pole 3 may have a circular cross-section.
  • the central pole 3 may have a cross-section that is not circular, for example polygonal, or rectangular cross-section, notably a square cross-section.
  • the diameter of the central pole 3 may be from 100 to 800 mm, and preferably from 150 to 500 mm.
  • diamete refers to the maximum dimension of the cross-section of the central pole 3.
  • the central pole may comprise at least one through-hole 3d on its sidewall 3c, proximate to the upper extremity 3a of the central pole 3 (as illustrated in figure 2). This makes it possible to facilitate the transport of the artificial reef 1 by passing a strap or a rope through the through- hole 3d for lifting the artificial reef 1 .
  • the central pole 3 may be provided with other features for lifting the artificial reef 1 , such as one or more hooks, rings, and holes.
  • the central pole 3 may have a length from 0.5 to 5 m, and preferably from 1 to 2,5 m.
  • the central pole 3 may be made from a material chosen from concrete, steel, wood and combinations thereof.
  • the artificial reef 1 also comprises a peripheral structure made of a plurality of units 4 (as illustrated in figures 1 and 3) which are interconnected to each other and disposed around the central pole 3.
  • the peripheral structure is fixed to the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2.
  • This peripheral structure is preferably a substantially hemispherical structure.
  • Each interconnected unit 4 has a different orientation on the peripheral structure.
  • the peripheral structure allows to multiply the different orientations of the artificial reef 1 so as to create multiple areas (on the reef) having different environmental conditions depending on their orientation.
  • the artificial reef 1 may comprise from 10 to 20 units 4, and preferably 15 units 4.
  • the artificial reef may comprise from 10 to 12 units 4; or from 12 to 14 units 4; or from 14 to 16 units 4; or from 16 to 18 units 4; or from 18 to 20 units 4.
  • a unit 4 is preferably a plate having a polygonal perimeter, more preferably a regular polygonal perimeter such as a square perimeter, a pentagonal perimeter or a hexagonal perimeter. More preferably a unit 4 may have a regular hexagonal perimeter.
  • the units 4 may have different shapes.
  • all units 4 have the same shape, and preferably all units 4 may have a regular hexagonal perimeter.
  • a unit 4 may be a plate having an inner surface (not illustrated in the figures) oriented towards the central pole 3 (interior of the artificial reef 1 ) and an outer surface 4a oriented away from the central pole 3 (exterior of the artificial reef 1).
  • all units 4 are plates having an inner surface (not illustrated in the figures) oriented towards the central pole 3 and an outer surface 4a oriented away from the central pole 3.
  • the units 4 may comprise a first level of units 4 (such as from 4 to 7, and more preferably 5) fixed to the base plate 2; and then one or more levels of units 4 placed above the first level of units 4.
  • they comprise a second level of units 4 (such as from 4 to 7, and more preferably 5) placed above and fixed to the first level of units 4; and then a third level of units 4 (such as from 4 to 7, and more preferably 5) placed above and fixed to the second level of units 4.
  • the units 4 consist of these three levels.
  • the units 4 may be connected to each other (as well as to the base plate 2 when necessary) via respective edges on their perimeters.
  • the connection may include internal rods extending from each unit 4 to an adjacent unit 4 or to the base plate 2.
  • each unit 4 may comprise one or more orifices 4c (such as 1 to 3 orifices, and preferably 2).
  • orifices 4c may be aligned with corresponding orifices 4c in adjacent units 4 or with orifices 2c on the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2.
  • internal rods may be inserted in these orifices (between adjacent units 4 or between a unit 4 and the base plate 2), and a hardening composition may be injected in the orifices 2c, 4c.
  • the rods may be in a material chosen from stainless steel, glass fibers, or a polymer.
  • the hardening composition may be a mortar composition, a resin or a chemical binder.
  • Each unit 4 may have a maximum thickness between its inner surface and its outer surface 4a from 30 to 100 cm.
  • Each unit 4 may have a minimum thickness between its inner surface and its outer surface 4a from 5 to 15 cm.
  • Each unit 4 may have a diameter from 25 to 200 cm.
  • diamete refers to the maximum dimension of the unit 4 (perpendicular to the thickness of the unit).
  • Each of the inner surface and outer surface 4a may be substantially planar or not. Preferably, at least the outer surface 4a is substantially not planar.
  • the upper surface 4a of at least one unit, and preferably of all units 4 may comprise a central recess 4d which is surrounded by a ridge 4b.
  • the central recess 4d may be a substantially planar surface.
  • such central recess 4d surrounded by a ridge 4b may be present on the inner surface of the unit 4.
  • the ridge 4b may have a circular contour or may comprise segments arranged along a polygonal contour, such as a square contour, a pentagonal contour or a hexagonal contour.
  • the shape of the contour of the ridge 4b is the same as the shape of the perimeter of the unit 4.
  • a ridge 4b made of segments arranged as a hexagon is preferred.
  • the shape of the perimeter of the central recess 4d is preferably the same as the shape of the perimeter of the unit 4.
  • the central recess 4d may comprise at least one orifice, preferably from 1 to 5 orifices, and more preferably from 1 to 4 orifices. Such orifices make it possible to fix complementary material such as monitoring equipment, habitat complexification modules, and coral transplants.
  • the ridge 4b may comprise an inner wall 4f oriented towards the central recess 4d and an outer wall 4e oriented away from the central recess 4d.
  • the inner wall 4f and outer wall 4e may be joined at a top of the ridge 4b. This embodiment is illustrated in figure 3.
  • the angle between the inner wall 4f and the central recess 4d may be from 15° to 90°.
  • the angle between the inner wall 4f and the outer wall 4e may be from 0° to 150°.
  • the ridge 4b may have a height from the inner recess 4d to the top from 5 to 150 cm.
  • At least one of the inner wall 4f and the outer wall 4e of the ridge 4b may be provided with multiple grooves 4g.
  • both the inner wall 4f and the outer wall 4e of the ridge 4b are provided with multiple grooves 4g.
  • Such grooves make it possible to modify the surface of the unit 4, and thus the surface of the artificial reef 1 and allow fixation of different coral species.
  • the grooves 4g may for example extend along the inner wall 4f and/or outer wall 4e perpendicularly to the contour (such as the polygonal contour) of the ridge 4b. They may substantially extend from the central recess 4d to the top of the ridge 4b, and from the top of the ridge 4b to the perimeter of the unit 4.
  • the ridge 4b may comprise for example from 3 to 10, preferably 5 grooves (as illustrated) per segment and per inner and/or outer wall 4f, 4e.
  • Each groove 4g may have a length from 5 to 150 cm.
  • Each groove 4g may have a width from 1 to 10 cm.
  • grooves 4g make it possible to limit coral predation by coral eating species such as parrot fish.
  • the dimensions and design of these grooves 4g mechanically limit the capacity of these species’ beaks to attain young coral recruits.
  • the units 4 of the artificial reef 1 may comprise on their outer surface 4a and (alternatively or additionally) on their inner surface, a three- dimensional structuring - of which the grooves 4g described above are one example.
  • Such structuring may be selected from grooves, projections, depressions and protrusions. This structuring allows to create a versatile surface and thus a versatile environment on each unit 4.
  • the three-dimensional structuring may define concavities which may have a dimension from 100 pm to 100 mm.
  • dimension of the concavity is meant in the context of the present invention the distance from one end of the concavity to the other, in the direction of the concavity.
  • the dimension of the concavity is the width of the groove.
  • the dimension of the concavity is the outer diameter (maximum dimension) of the depression.
  • convex features such as projections or protrusions
  • concavities may be defined between adjacent convex features.
  • Each unit 4 may be made from a material chosen from concrete (such as Portland concrete, porous concrete (in other words concrete material built from specific formulations and processes so that it presents micrometric to millimetric holes on its surface), and 3D concrete (in other words concrete produced through an additive manufacturing process, preferably with a grooved surface), polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl ester polymers, bio sourced polymers (chitosan-sourced material, polylactic acid linen fibers), and ceramics foam.
  • concrete such as Portland concrete, porous concrete (in other words concrete material built from specific formulations and processes so that it presents micrometric to millimetric holes on its surface)
  • 3D concrete in other words concrete produced through an additive manufacturing process, preferably with a grooved surface
  • polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl ester polymers, bio sourced polymers (chitosan-sourced material, polylactic acid linen fibers), and ceramics foam.
  • the units 4 may be made from different materials.
  • all units 4 are made from the same material.
  • Each unit 4 may have a surface (inner and/or outer surface) which comprises pores having a mean diameter from 0.5 to 3 mm, and preferably from 0.6 to 1 mm. The presence of such pores makes it possible to offer shelter to the larvae from different predators and thus allow their development.
  • This porosity is in addition to the three-dimensional structuring described above.
  • the porosity may be adjusted by using granular materials of different sizes and/or by using porosity- inducing manufacturing techniques, for example by applying vibrations during manufacturing.
  • each unit 4 may be smooth, in other words may be substantially devoid of pores.
  • the surface of each unit 4 may have different sizes of pores (or no pores at all) relative to the other units 4.
  • the surface of all units 4 may have the same size of pores (or no pores at all).
  • Each unit 4 according to the present invention may be integrally formed or in other words formed in a single piece.
  • each unit 4 according to the present invention may be formed from the assembly of at least two parts.
  • a first part may comprise the outer surface 4a of the unit 4 and a second part may comprise the inner surface of the unit 4.
  • each unit 4 when connected to each other to form the peripheral structure, the outer surface 4a of each unit 4 is located at the exterior of the peripheral structure (external side of the artificial reef 1 ) while the inner surface of each unit 1 is located at the interior of the peripheral structure (internal side of the artificial reef 1 ).
  • each unit 4 has a different orientation from the outer surface 4a of the other units 4.
  • each unit 4 is arranged differently in relation to the cardinal points relative to the other units 4.
  • This difference in orientation makes it possible to create different environments on the same artificial reef 1 .
  • some parts of the artificial reef 1 may have a different exposure to light, silting, gravity or to water currents.
  • the artificial reef 1 of the present invention allows a diversity of species to grow, each species having its own optimal conditions for development and survival. Thus, it makes it possible to maintain a large taxonomic and genetic diversity.
  • the peripheral structure may comprise one or more openings 5.
  • Such openings 5 may be present between the base plate 2 and some of the units 4 (for example between the base plate 2 and the units 4 belonging to the first and second level described above). Additionally or alternatively, such openings 5 may be present between some of the units 4 (for example between the first part of the units 4 which are fixed to the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2 and the second part of the units 4). These openings 5 make it possible for the larvae to colonize the interior of the artificial reef 1 (especially when the inner surface of the units 4 presents a three-dimensional structuring as detailed above).
  • the openings 5 may minimize disruption of water currents by the artificial reef 1 .
  • the number of openings 5 may e.g. range from 5 to 25, preferably from 8 to 15 and is preferably 11 .
  • these openings 5 may have a polygonal shape, and preferably a pentagonal shape. They may thus be delimited by respective edges of five adjacent hexagonal units 5).
  • the central pole 3 may protrude through one of the openings 5.
  • the peripheral structure may comprise, from bottom to top:
  • each opening 5 being preferably delimited by the base plate 2 and three adjacent units 4 (such as two units 4 belonging to the first level, and one unit 4 belonging to the second level);
  • each opening 5 being preferably pentagonal-shaped and being delimited by five adjacent units 4 (such as one unit 4 belonging to the first level, two units 4 belonging to the second level and two units 4 belonging to the third level);
  • the peripheral structure is not directly fixed to the central pole 3. Instead, the peripheral structure is fixed to the base plate 2 and the central pole 3 is also fixed to the base plate 2.
  • the artificial reef 1 may include a variety of features designed to promote interactions with other species, beneficial to coral settlement and growth. More specifically, these features aim to promote predation of corallivorous species and/or predation of fixed species which could compete with the corals for substrate cover.
  • the artificial reef 1 may comprise one or more additional structures 6 comprising a cavity (figure 4A and 4B) designed to host large specimens of predators for corallivorous species.
  • additional structure 6 may be located between the central pole 3 and the peripheral structure and be connected for example to the base plate 2, for example to one of the furrows 2d located on the upper surface 2a of the base plate 2.
  • the dimensions and the design of the cavities of the additional structures 6 may be adapted to fit with the preferendum of the predators in a variety of environments.
  • Such predator species may include groupers, snappers, etc.
  • the fixation of the additional structures 6 to the base plate 2 may include rods (as described above) extending between respective orifices in the base plate 2 and in the additional structures 6, and a hardening composition (as described above) may be injected into these orifices.
  • the additional structure 6 may comprise a top wall 6a and lateral walls 6b, such as three lateral walls 6b.
  • the lateral walls 6b may be positioned substantially perpendicularly to the base plate 2 (and more specifically substantially perpendicularly to the central portion of the upper surface 2a).
  • the top wall 6a may be positioned substantially parallel to the base plate 2 (and more specifically substantially parallel to the central portion of the upper surface 2a).
  • the above-described fixation of the additional structure 6 to the base plate 2 may be made via at least two of the lateral walls 6b.
  • the above-described orifices 6c may thus extend parallel to the lateral walls 6b, from the bottom end thereof.
  • a cavity is thus delimited by the base plate 2 on the one hand, and by the top wall 6a and lateral walls 6b of the additional structure 6 on the other hand.
  • the top wall 6a may partly or preferably fully cover the lateral walls 6b. It may also further extend past the lateral walls 6b, as illustrated.
  • the top wall may comprise a substantially triangular projection.
  • the tip 6d of the triangular projection may be tapered, as illustrated.
  • the cavities formed by the additional structures 6 are useful as they may provide shelter and protection for a multitude of marine animals such as fish, preferably fish species which are predators for corallivorous species.
  • the presence of fish in the artificial coral reef 1 also provides a natural sound environment which is favorable to colonization by coral larvae.
  • the artificial reef 1 may further include a flexible element (or artificial seagrass module) having at least one end attached to the central pole (3) and/or the peripheral structure.
  • the flexible element may comprise one or several flexible strands, or filaments.
  • the flexible element comprises at least one end opposite the attached end which is free-flowing.
  • the length of the flexible element, from the attached end to the free-flowing end may be from 50 to 500 cm.
  • the flexible element may for example comprise a network of flexible strands, fixed between two flexible bands extending in a longitudinal direction and secured together, the two flexible bands having at least an edge and said strands having a portion projecting from said at least one edge in a transverse direction.
  • Such bands are preferably superimposed to one another.
  • the strands may be made of natural fibers such as hemp fibers, coconut fibers or a mixture of hemp and coconut fibers, or synthetic fibers such as polypropylene fibers.
  • the above flexible element is described in detail in document FR 3027769.
  • One end of the two flexible bands may be attached to the central pole (3) and/or the peripheral structure while the opposite end of the two flexible bands (along the longitudinal direction) may be free-flowing.
  • the flexible element may be attached for example owing to hooks or rings fixed on the central pole 3 and/or on the peripheral structure, more preferably at the top of the peripheral structure.
  • Such elements make it possible to attract herbivorous species which will naturally graze on different types of algae and therefore makes it possible to limit the coverage of the artificial reef 1 by such algae and therefore limit the competition with coral development. Moreover, such elements may attract any larvae in the water which are proximate to the artificial reef 1 creating positive cues (visual, sounds, vibrations) and lead them to the units 4 of the artificial reef 1.
  • such structure may contribute to the development of aquatic fauna or flora by constituting an artificial habitat and shelter for aquatic fauna and flora.
  • the artificial reef 1 may have a weight from 500 kg to 20 tons, and preferably from 1 to 6 tons.
  • the weight of the artificial reef 1 is sufficient to prevent accidental movement of the artificial reef 1 due to water currents.
  • this weight allows the transportation of the artificial reef 1 from a first marine area to a second marine area, as explained below.
  • the invention also relates to a method for the restoration of coral reefs carried out with the artificial reef 1 described above.
  • the method according to the invention comprises a step of placing at least one artificial reef 1 as described above, in a first marine area comprising mature corals.
  • the corals may be mature. Additionally or alternatively, the corals may mainly reproduce sexually liberating gametes in the water column.
  • the first marine area is a “healthy” area (which has not been substantially damaged) comprising different coral populations. This area acts as a “dono of corals.
  • the artificial reef(s) 1 may be positioned at a depth in the first marine area from the surface to -100 m depending on the biology of the present coral species.
  • the artificial reef 1 may be transported in the first marine area by any conventional mode of transport, such as a lifting tool to which the artificial reef 1 may attached and which will lift said artificial reef 1 and immerse it in the first marine area.
  • the artificial reef 1 according to the present invention may be deployed autonomously, in other words without the assistance of scuba divers generally mobilized to achieve the detachment of the reef from the lifting tool. For example, this is achieved by passing a lifting cable through a hook, ring, or hole present on the central pole 3 of the artificial reef 1 (as explained above), such lifting cable being opened remotely which triggers the reef detachment without direct human intervention.
  • drifting larvae resulting from a natural sexual reproduction from the different coral populations of the first marine area colonize the artificial reef 1.
  • Various species may colonize the different parts (different areas and/or materials) of the artificial reef 1 depending on their optimal conditions for development.
  • artificial reef(s) 1 may be placed in the first marine area at a distance of at least 10 m. However, this distance depends not only on the currents but also on the biology of the coral species.
  • the artificial reef(s) 1 may remain in the first marine area for a period of time from 6 months to more than 10 years depending on the reproduction seasons and the biology of the coral species present in the first area.
  • the method according to the invention comprises a step of transporting the colonized artificial reef(s) 1 to a second marine area.
  • This second marine area is preferably a “damaged” area devoid of corals or comprising a depleted coral population due to some pressure in said area negatively impacting the coral population (e.g. pollution or mechanical disruption pressure), wherein said pressure may have been identified and may have been significantly reduced.
  • damaged corals is meant not only corals that are in poor health but also corals in good health but in lower concentrations in the second marine area relative to the concentration of corals in the same area prior to the damage or pressure in the second marine area.
  • this step allows a rapid natural recolonization of the degraded reefs of the second marine area with coral populations from the artificial reef(s) 1 . More particularly, during this step mature and productive corals present on the artificial reef 1 , may emit larvae, which may colonize the second marine area. In addition, during this step, as larvae are attracted by coral environments, the colonized artificial reef 1 may attract larvae present in the environment and thus catalyze the colonization of the second marine area by such larvae.
  • the distance between the first marine area and the second marine area may be equal to or lower than 50 km for example from 10 meters (if the pressure is absent) to 50 km.
  • the artificial reef(s) 1 may be deployed at a depth at the second marine area from the surface to -100 m depending on the biology of the present coral species and the restoration strategy adopted (for example use of deep super corals, i.e. corals that can survive both extreme conditions and rapid changes in their environment).
  • the artificial reef(s) 1 may be transported for example by floating the artificial reef 1 in open water using a lifting balloon, then by towing the artificial reef 1 in open water from the first marine area to the second marine area, and finally by redeploying the artificial reef 1 in the second marine are by progressively lowering the balloon.
  • the colonized artificial reef 1 is transported from a first marine area to a second marine area makes it possible to minimize the time of restoration in the second area as most of mature populations are supposed to be absent or altered after the disruption (or damage). Moreover, the natural migration of larvae from the first marine area to the second marine area may take too long or simply be impossible (depending on local environmental conditions). With the method according to the present invention, the colonized artificial reef 1 is transported to the second marine area which thus facilitates the natural and large scale restoration of the degraded site thanks to the addition of new mature and productive coral populations not only capable of emitting larvae but also of attracting larvae from the environment.
  • the transportation of the whole artificial reef 1 and associated adult coral colonies makes it possible to reduce the mortality of the corals and improve their reproduction as the stress on corals is minimized during their displacement.
  • the method according to the present invention is devoid of a transplantation step. In this case, there is no step of artificially (manually or robotically) transplanting and nursering coral fragments onto the artificial reef 1 prior to its deployment in the first area or in the second area.
  • the method according to the present invention may further comprise an artificial (manual or robot-assisted) transplantation step of corals onto the artificial reef 1 prior to its deployment in the first area or in the second area.
  • an artificial (manual or robot-assisted) transplantation step of corals onto the artificial reef 1 prior to its deployment in the first area or in the second area may also comprise an artificial (manual or robot-assisted) transplantation step of corals onto the artificial reef 1 prior to its deployment in the first area or in the second area.
  • the artificial reef 1 may also be placed in one marine area and may then remain in place.
  • This marine area may be a healthy area, or a damaged area (preferably in this case in close proximity to a healthy area).
  • the mere placement of the artificial area 1 in said marine area may assist in developing and/or restoring coral reefs in this marine area.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Artificial Fish Reefs (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récif artificiel (1) comprenant : une plaque de base (2) présentant une surface supérieure (2a) et une surface inférieure ; un montant central (3) présentant une extrémité supérieure (3a) et une extrémité inférieure (3b), le montant central (3) étant relié perpendiculairement à la surface supérieure (2a) de la plaque de base (2) par son extrémité inférieure (3b) ; une structure périphérique fixée à la surface supérieure (2a) de la plaque de base (2) et disposée autour du montant central (3), ladite structure périphérique étant formée d'une pluralité d'unités interconnectées (4) ayant des orientations différentes. L'invention concerne également un procédé de restauration de récifs coralliens à l'aide dudit récif artificiel (1).
EP21728281.3A 2021-04-06 2021-04-06 Récif artificiel Pending EP4319547A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2021/000264 WO2022214841A1 (fr) 2021-04-06 2021-04-06 Récif artificiel

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EP4319547A1 true EP4319547A1 (fr) 2024-02-14

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EP (1) EP4319547A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112023020783A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022214841A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US6464429B2 (en) 2001-02-23 2002-10-15 Michael D. Moore Artificial reef module for coral reef remediation
FR2871484B1 (fr) * 2004-06-14 2006-09-08 Sue Dominique Gabriel Bordes Nouvelle structure recifale modulaire et radiale
KR100693472B1 (ko) * 2006-12-19 2007-03-14 경포대영어조합법인 방사형 조림초
KR101368195B1 (ko) 2012-03-14 2014-03-03 에스엠텍 주식회사 갯녹음 복원용 해조류 착생 블럭 및 해중림 조성방법
WO2014007926A1 (fr) 2012-07-04 2014-01-09 KABILING, Jr., Alejandro A. Système de récif artificiel
FR3027769B1 (fr) 2014-11-04 2017-07-07 Egis Eau Element pour le developpement de la faune ou de la flore aquatique, et dispositif d'habitat artificiel comprenant au moins un tel element
KR101681578B1 (ko) 2016-02-26 2016-12-01 김성도 친환경 테트라포드와 그의 제조방법
KR101862153B1 (ko) * 2017-06-07 2018-05-30 한시영 산림 목재를 이용한 인공어초
CN109699548B (zh) 2018-12-17 2020-11-27 中国科学院南海海洋研究所 一种用于珊瑚礁生态修复的复合混凝土材质人工生态礁体
US20200315145A1 (en) * 2019-03-04 2020-10-08 Christopher Francis O'Hare Method and Apparatus for Improved Handling and Attachment of Living Sessile Organisms to Substrate and Habitat Enhancement
CN210808819U (zh) 2019-07-01 2020-06-23 刘孟勇 一种方便运输的珊瑚修复型人工鱼礁
CN110606715B (zh) 2019-09-27 2021-02-02 同济大学 一种网格状混凝土人工珊瑚礁体及其制备方法和应用
CN112088818B (zh) * 2020-09-25 2024-05-17 中国水产科学研究院渔业工程研究所 智能化的伞状的人工鱼礁

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BR112023020783A2 (pt) 2023-12-19

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