The US Virgin Islands is to build an artificial reef which the Department of Planning and Natural Resources hopes will protect coastal areas and help the US territory become more resilient ahead of future storms.

Published 7 months ago

In announcing the news, Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the US Virgin Island’s (USVI) Department of Planning and Natural Resources said the establishment of the reef was an initiative funded by the Division of Fish & Wildlife as part of its continued efforts to help protect coastal infrastructure and enhance resilience against future storms.

The 18-foot (5-meter) by 12-foot (4-meter) reef will be installed near the coast around St. Thomas and is expected to be completed by July 2024.

The project will be funded by more than $760,000 in federal money awarded to the University of the Virgin Islands after hurricanes Irma and Maria pounded the US territory in 2017.

Mr Oriol said university officials are choosing the strongest specimens out of roughly 15 types of coral in nurseries for eventual propagation onto the reef, which will take the shape of an iconic petroglyph.

The institution is collaborating with researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on cutting-edge technology to create an environmentally sensitive design made from sourced materials ranging from carbon-friendly cement to natural chemicals to help stimulate coral growth.

The permitting process for the project with the Division of Coastal Zone Management and the Army Corps of Engineers is moving toward final approvals of location.

Once installed, the settlement and growth of reef life on the artificial reef will be tested and scientists will monitor its effectiveness through benthic and fish surveys. Based on the project’s results, UVI will provide a policy prescription to the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

“This is the first of its kind project in the territory,” Dr. Marilyn Brandt, the project manager, and a Research Professor at UVI, said. “The goal is to provide enhanced habitat for corals struggling from climate change and provide added shoreline protection as we work to restore natural coral reefs. We’re hoping to learn a lot and inform any future work.”

The project comes as oceans grow warmer, leading to more powerful Atlantic hurricanes.

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Related News:

• Division of Fish & Wildlife and UVI Partner on Artificial Reef
• US Virgin Islands To Build Artificial Reef (Fox News)
• Artificial Reef Designed by MIT Could Protect Marine Life Reduce Storm Damage (MIT News)

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