In the past, exploring the ocean floor required deep-sea divers, but now, advancements in technology have made it possible to witness the beauty and devastation of the deep sea through cameras. These cameras have revealed not only thriving seabeds but also lifeless, grey dead zones, showcasing the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, a team of ocean scientists has undertaken a remarkable project to transform an ocean dead zone into a flourishing marine ecosystem. Mark Santos, a fisheries technologist at the Marine Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, expressed excitement about the opportunity to restore a part of the ocean.
A year ago, Santos and his team launched 285 cement reef balls into Placentia Bay, utilizing a special type of cement that promotes algae growth. Partnering with a major oil company and the government, the Marine Institute embarked on a mission to rejuvenate a seafloor zone in Fox Harbour, which was previously barren due to dredging activities.
The team’s efforts have borne fruit as the reef balls have become covered in algae, attracting various marine life to inhabit them. Through an underwater camera, the transformation of this artificial marine habitat can be observed in real-time on SmartAtlantic.ca.
Bethany Randell, a project engineer at the Marine Institute, emphasized the significance of restoring damaged ocean environments and expressed delight in witnessing the growth of a new habitat. The project aims to provide a sustainable home for marine creatures, with lobsters already migrating to the area due to the hospitable conditions created by the reef balls.
Despite the project having a nine-year timeline, the reef balls are designed to last for 500 years. Santos and Randell are optimistic about the project’s future and hope to expand similar initiatives to further contribute to ocean conservation efforts.
