The Virgin Islands Government has joined forces with the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) and Rethink Rebuild Regenerating “rrreefs” to revive coastal reefs in the Virgin Islands to revive its coral reefs with 3d printed technology. Photo: GIS/File

‘Rrrefs’ is a group Zurich, Switzerland, with a mission to revive 1% of coastal coral reefs by 2033 with the organisation combineing scientific design and engineering with 3D printing technology to develop underwater modular clay reef systems that create complex habitats. Photo: Internet Source

Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Ms. Argel Horton who interacted with the 3D printed reef structure said the innovative way of capturing and growing corals through 3D printing is hopeful. Photo: Internet Source

‘Rrrefs’ is a group from Zurich, Switzerland, with a mission to revive 1% of coastal coral reefs by 2033, by combining scientific design and engineering with 3D printing technology to develop underwater modular clay reef systems that create complex habitats.

These systems are said to be conducive to coral recruitment and habitat for various fish species, crustaceans, mollusks, and other macrofauna.

Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Ms Argel A. Horton, who interacted with the 3D printed reef structure, said the innovative way of capturing and growing corals through 3D printing is hopeful.

“Once it starts thriving, it can be replicated and integrated into our existing reef system so the Territory's coastal defense can protect us from intense hurricanes, storms, and flooding in our critical low-lining communities,” Ms Horton stated in a Government Information Services (GIS) press release on January 29, 2024.

VI is the second territory to test the system and its first 3D printed reef measures 20 cubic metres and was produced as 254 individual bricks in Switzerland and shipped to the Virgin Islands late last year. The Lego-type structure was assembled on-site at Cistern Rock off Cooper Island, a popular snorkeling and dive site near ARK’s existing coral nursery.

The reef was made possible by one of Switzerland’s leading boarding schools, Institute Le Rosey. The school’s head, Christophe Gudin said, “I have discovered the BVIs as a kid and come back regularly with groups of students to learn diving and marine biology.”

Structures to be monitored 

Over the next two years, the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) will monitor how the structure enhances marine biodiversity by recruiting coral, fish, and other marine life. 

Managing Director for ARK Dr Shannon Gore said coral reefs worldwide continue to be impacted by climate change, coral diseases, and various human activities. Restoration, she stated, is therefore becoming an important solution.

Over the past three weeks, Co-Founder Marie Griesmar, and designer and field operator, Mauro Bischoff of Rrreefs, along with Dr Gore led the installation of the 3D printed reef with support from several local companies and organisations. “We look forward to seeing how this reef evolves over the coming years and how we can implement more of these types of reefs in the BVI,” Ms Griesmar said.