PQBH Marina Guide 2022 v10

Artificial reefs
3D printed artificial
reefs in Poole Bay
In March 2021, Bournemouth University (BU)
researchers deployed 3D printed concrete
artificial reef units in Poole Bay.
This research is part of an EU Interreg Atlantic
funded research project called 3DPARE with
collaborators in France, Spain and Portugal.
The aim of the project is to deploy and
monitor 3D printed reef units which have been
fabricated from low impact bio-receptive
materials. These reef units have various
applications including mitigation for loss of
natural reef habitat, fisheries enhancement,
coastal protection and enhanced recreational
amenity through recreational fishing and
diving.
The artificial reef units include a variety of
habitats for marine life including different
sized holes, tunnels, ledges and flat surfaces.
Within just 48 hours the reef units were already
providing homes for multiple crab species.
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The Poole Harbour and Marina Guide 2022