Reefbuds Artificial technology eyed to replicate in the US

The Mote Marine Laboratory, one of the prominent research laboratories in the United States of America (USA), has started to conduct deeper evaluation of the efficacy of the Reefbud Artificial technology for possible use.

Jojo Rodriguez of the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) said that the US firm got interested in the technology after observing and surveying reefbud sites in Anilao, Batangas and in Boracay.

"The SPC has installed 5,000 reefbuds along the damaged coral reef of the west beach of Boracay and has observed, in a survey last November positive results. Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955," Rodriguez said.

Said Reefbud Artifical Technology will be evaluated as fish and invertebrate habitat and based on species abundance, diversity, ontogenic (embryonic) stage, colonization rates, and persistence over time. The study is designed to allow for a statistically robust evaluation.

"Testing and deployment of Reefbud modules will be implemented on two sites in the Gulf of Mexico at Sarasota and Lee County, Florida. Testing will be done over several year period so to evaluate viability and survivability of generated marine life. Total Cost of testing will amount to two million dollars," said Rodriguez.

Overall performance of the Reefbud will then be evaluated based on its ability to enhance the growth of a natural marine reef community.

Mote Marine Laboratory tested numerous types of possible Reef materials in the 80’s which results lead to the State of Florida’s policy of only allowing artificial reef material to be made of concrete or limestone. Mote Marine Laboratory stated that the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the Reefbud modules, which are a newly designed artificial reef structure composed of organic and inorganic material, and compare its performance with other traditional materials used in the construction of artificial reefs.

Today Mote covers more than 200 acres at five locations, with an annual operating budget of US$ 23 million, a staff of about 250 and more than 1,400 volunteers. More than 400,000 people visit each year.