DARWIN-based marine services company In-Depth Innovations is pioneering the development of a
new sustainable artificial reef system integrated with artificial intelligence to enhance fish
stocks.
The circular economy inspired BioReef modules have been developed in collaboration
with local companies, HB Group and Aboriginal Sea Company. Surplus construction grade concrete and oyster shells were upcycled into specialised artificial reef modules – designed to enhance fish stocks and support the local fishing and tourism industries.
In-Depth will undertake a two-year in situ trial in Darwin Harbour to assess how the prototype “BioReefs” perform. Data will be collected via subsea sensors and analysed using AI to inform the development of optimised designs and materials.
The trial is supported by a grant from the NT Governments Business Innovation Program, with an aim to develop a scalable marine habitat enhancement system that can be used to support the productivity of highly valued recreational and commercial fishing species.
Key features of the BioReefTM system include:
* Sustainable and scalable circular manufacturing process diverting materials from land fil and extending their value as ecological assets.
* AI integrated with subsea sensors to verify ecological performance.
* Low carbon footprint. 95% less carbon emissions than similar engineered reefs by using upcycled materials.
* Highly productive nature-based designs developed specifically for local reef fish species such as golden snapper, black jewfish and coral trout.
* The unique biomimetic designs were optimised using expertise from divers, fishers
and marine scientists to optimise productivity.
* The incorporation of recycled oyster shells as a natural substrate enhances biodiversity and benthic colonisation rates.
* Engineered and certified for subsea stability in cyclonic conditions and a 100+ year lifespan.
Quote from Tynan Bartolo – Founder, In-Depth Innovations
General Manager of HB Group, Damien Collis, said: “The BioReefT presents an exciting prospect to leverage cutting edge technology with circular economy principles to enhance marine productivity at scale”
“At HB Group we pride ourselves on our approach to sustainability. By upcycling our surplus concrete into artificial reefs, we can reduce our environmental footprint and help support
the Territoy’s favourite pastime fishing.”
