A series of modular steel and concrete pods have been installed underwater around the Sydney Opera House to test the marine biodiversity improvement value of artificial structures. The initiative is a result of a three-year partnership between UTS, the Sydney Opera House and the NSW Government.
The project includes a series of modular artificial reefs, as eight pods, each consisting of three hexagonal-shaped units, have been installed alongside the Opera House sea wall at Bennelong Point.
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The project, announced in 2017, is funded through a NSW Government Environmental Trust Restoration & Rehabilitation grant with the aim of finding new ways to increase local marine biodiversity and support native species in Sydney Harbour.
Created by Reef Design Lab, the metre-high pods are built from marine-grade steel and concrete and feature elements of 3D printed design. Data collected from the two different reef structures help inform future reef design.
In the future, the structures will accommodate seaweed and sea life, providing a home for smaller fish species.
It’s amazing, after only a few weeks the pods are already attracting the interest of the types of species we hope will be drawn to this new habitat such as leatherjackets, bream and octopus
UTS Science’s Professor Booth said.
The project team will continue to monitor the reefs and nearby sites to for any changes and how effective adding small fish habitat structures is in improving fish life on seawalls.
What is more, the Opera House has also announced the awarding of a 5 star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia and the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement for renewable energy supply.