Finding the Ideal Site for the Artificial Reef
A major step in our research was locating a suitable spot for the artificial reef structure. We needed a sandy area that was free of natural coral colonies, ensuring that our project wouldn’t damage the existing ecosystem.
We conducted a dive to 22 meters, searching for an appropriate location. The reef was teeming with life:
- Coral Species – Acropora homilies, Acropora formosa, and massive brain corals covered the reef slopes.
- Marine Life – Schools of triggerfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish darted between the corals, while a sea turtlepassed by as we surveyed the area.
After confirming a 12-meter sandy patch, I marked it with a buoy so we could return for the deployment.
Deploying the Artificial Reef Structures
Between Wednesday and Saturday, we worked on lowering and securing three metal structures that would act as a base for the ceramic reef:
- Lowering the frames from the boat – Using ropes and lift bags, we carefully guided the metal structures into the water, ensuring they didn’t hit any live coral.
- Positioning on the seafloor – We adjusted the structures to sit evenly on the sandy patch, preventing them from shifting due to currents.
A Look at the Entire Process of Placing and Assembling the Artificial Reef
Running the CBASS Experiment
While the reef structures were being deployed, Team Jossene focused on operating the CBASS system, which was divided into four temperature-controlled containers:
- Container 1: Control, kept at ambient temperature.
- Container 2: Heated to +3°C above ambient.
- Container 3: Heated to +6°C above ambient.
- Container 4: Heated to +9°C above ambient.
By exposing coral samples to these varying heat stress levels, we aimed to determine which species were more resistant to thermal stress—a crucial factor in predicting coral bleaching events.
A Day of Exploration
On Sunday, we took a break from research to explore an isolated reef that appeared only at low tide.
As I swam near a massive Porites coral, I spotted a small white-tip shark—a breathtaking moment. Later, we explored a deep lagoon reef, where I recorded a depth of 16 meters at its base, watching as it sloped further into the deep blue.
Next Chapter Preview:
With the metal structures in place, it was time for the final steps—stacking the ceramic reef components, planting corals, and monitoring how marine life interacted with the new habitat.
