Coral Net™
Innovative Method Different from Conventional Approaches
Function of Coral Net as a platform for coral reef rehabilitation
Coral Net actively proliferates calcareous algae, promoting the settlement of coral larvae.
Technological Development for Artificial Base Structure
Coral Net
Biodegradable Type
Useful for the areas where reef current is weak. This type of Coral Net will be decomposed in 3 to 5 years after installation.
Coral Net
Durable Type
Useful for the areas where strong waves occur regularly. This type can be firmly anchored with reinforcing bars or bolts.
Previous Achievements of Coral Net
Coral Net (durable type) has been installed on concrete blocks in the ports where corals did not grow well due to sediment. In the 10-year of experiment, natural settlement of various coral types and species as well as their significant growth have been observed as a result of Coral Net implementation.
Coral Restoration in the Port of Okinawa
Biodegradable Type
The biodegradable type promoted significant growth of corals (asexual reproduction).
Durable type
The durable type provided a stable structure for natural settlement of coral larvae and diverse coral species have grown successfully
Coral Net installation on wave-dissipating blocks (2011)
10+ years after installation of Coral Net (2022)
Fig. Long-term monitoring result of coral coverage after Coral Net installation (Okinawa, Japan)
Coral Restoration in National Parks
Biodegradable type of Coral Net was installed in national parks to protect corals from frequent damage caused by typhoon waves. Coral fragments placed on these Coral Nets successfully grew and confirmed that the structure facilitated coral regeneration.
Biodegradable type of Coral Net installed on the reefs severely damaged by a strong typhoon. (2012)
Steady coral growth observed on the Coral Net (2019)
AWARDS
This technology was highly recognized by Japan Society of Civil Engineers Environmental Award (2015): Development and practical application of “Coral Net”, a coral community restoration platform based on coral reef environmental assessment.