Artificial reef installed on Bennelong Point

After
first announcing the project in 2017, a series of modular artificial reefs have
now been installed alongside the Opera House sea wall. The
pioneering project, led by UTS Professor of Marine Ecology David Booth and funded through a NSW
Government Environmental Trust Restoration & Rehabilitation grant, aims to
explore new ways to increase marine biodiversity and support native
species in Sydney Harbour.  

We’ve been watching the structures come together here at SIMS  and are excited that this project is representative of SIMS’ focus on  innovative eco-engineering solutions.

And what better home for such novel technological design than the Sydney Opera House.

It’s wonderful to see such an iconic symbol of art and design eagerly embracing  the role of marine stewardship. Launched on World Environment Day the artifical reefs complement a number of significant Sustainability Initiatives from the Opera House. Take a look at the  video

The newly installed artificial reef is made up of eight pods containing three hexagonal-shaped units which have been placed underwater around Bennelong Point.  Created by Alex Goad from Reef Design Lab,  the pods are constructed from marine-grade steel and concrete and feature elements of 3D printed design. The structures will become encrusted with 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.

“We will continue to monitor the reefs and adjacent sites to
document change and how effective adding small fish habitat structures is in
enhancing fish life on seawalls. We hope it is a model for other cities on
harbours,” he said.