Artificial Reefs - why we need them.

Coral reefs are one of the most valuable and productive ecosystems in the world, with species diversity rivaled only by tropical rainforests. They are, however, also amongst the most sensitive ecosystems to human interference and climatic change.
Reefs are primarily a habitat where a diverse variety of plants and animals flourish, common reef inhabitants include many types of anemones, sponges, algae, arthropods such as shrimps, crabs and lobster, invertebrates such as hard and soft corals, not to mention the multitude of fish, which rely on this unique habitat for their very existence.

Sadly, however, the world's reefs are under threat everyday from human activities such as coastal development, irresponsible tourism, over-fishing and land-based sources of pollution. According to World Bank and UNEP statistics, up to 38% of the African coastline is considered to be at risk from human development and expansion, such as cities, ports, road-networks and pipelines. This figure increases to a staggering 82% in Indonesia where illegal "blast fishing" is practiced.

Environmental conditions, such as climate change, increasing ocean temperatures and ozone degradation, also have their part to play in the demise of the coral reefs. According to the UNEP-WCMC World Atlas of Coral Reefs, which is the most detailed assessment ever of the status and distribution of the world's coral reefs, the "El Nino" phenomenon experienced in early 1998 resulted in the unprecedented bleaching and consequent loss of 90% of the corals in some parts of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles being the worst affected.

Fortunately Mombasa's reefs escaped reasonably unscathed, indeed a recent study recognised that our waters house amongst the largest and most diverse collection of soft corals in the world. To date, three new species of soft coral have been discovered, which are currently under the process of formal classification and taxonomy. However the ocean's temperatures continue to rise and next time we may not be so lucky.
In recognition of these alarming statistics and in support of 2002 being officially declared the International Year of Ecotourism, Buccaneer Wrecks and sister company PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, Buccaneer Diving, decided to create Mombasa largest intentional artificial reef. Bruce Phillips; one of East Africa's most experienced instructors, conceived the idea whilst diving on the "Globe Star", which is at present considered Mombasa's best wreck dive. The Globe Star is a grain carrying cargo ship that hit a sand back in the early seventies and sunk as a result of this, although most of the superstructure was salvaged one can still see the engine blocks, masts, the lower deck and the propeller and the area literally teams with Moray eels, Lionfish, Parrot Fish and Pelagics.

Many artificial reefs have been created around the world, some, as in the case of the Globe Star, as a result of natural disaster and some, as in Dania's case, more intentionally. A variety of materials, ranging from military tanks to naval ships have been used and over the years, extensive research has been carried out to monitor and quantify the success of these "artificial" reefs. The result has been the compilation of overwhelmingly conclusive evidence clearly illustrating that artificial reefs develop into thriving coral communities, almost indistinguishable from their natural counterparts. One such research project, supported by the National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration, is headed by marine biologist Professor Yehuda Benayahu of the University of Tel Aviv, who attributes the success of these artificial reefs to the increased space, shelter, food sources and protection they offer marine organisms on an otherwise barren seabed.

The solid structure that an artificial reef provides, facilitates the attachment of algae, sponges, benthic organisms and gorgonia to its surface, these organisms which are vital for coral production, would otherwise drift aimlessly in the water column of benthic areas. The attachment of these organisms is the point of conception whereupon the vessel is slowly transformed into a functioning reef. Coral is produced, sea turtles seek refuge amongst the protective overhangs and pelagic fish, are immediately attracted by the vertical relief that is offered. The reef matures over time attracting larger pelagic, transient and permanent organisms such as shark, amberjack, caranx, rays, groupers and moray eels. It should also be noted that artificial reefs enhance the development of rare coral species that are not often found in natural reefs
In addition to the environmental relief that artificial reef s bring, coral reefs, both natural and artificial, are also taking on an increasingly important role in supplying compounds for use in medicines. AZT is used in the treatment of HIV infected patients and its chemical composition is derived from that of a Caribbean reef sponge, furthermore 50% of all new cancer drug research is conducted upon marine organisms.