Aa Aa Marine scientists at the University of Hong Kong have developed a new method of saving coral reefs off the coast of the city. Specially designed terracotta tiles are being 3D printed to create artificial reefs in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park.

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The 2.6 square kilometre marine park is a local biodiversity hotspot and is home to more than 60 species of coral. However, a super-typhoon destroyed 80 per cent of the corals in the area in 2018 and few species survived. Now, if left alone, it would take decades for the species to regenerate naturally. The tiles have been seeded with coral fragments. Coral reefs are badly affected by climate change. They support 25 per cent of all marine life, providing food, shelter and a place for other organisms to raise their young. Around 500 million people around the world also rely on them for their livelihood. […]

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