Divers explore an artificial reef.
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what is an artificial coral reef? why are they being considered?
An artificial coral reef is placed in an undersea environment that requires a structure to enhance the habitat for reef organisms. Artificial reefs are made of many different materials from rocks to limestone to old tires. They help corals and the fishes and invertebrates that live among them.
However, the main reason why they are built is for economic reasons. They attract fish to a known location and therefore the reefs are very beneficial to local fishermen, divers, and snorkelers.
The other reason they are being considered is for the sake of the natural ecosystems that have been destroyed. 35 million acres of natural coral reefs have been destroyed by mankind, with: sedimentation, fishing with explosives, cyanide fishing, collection and dredging, water pollution, trash, human run-off (fertilizers and sewage dumped), careless recreation, and global warming.
However, the main reason why they are built is for economic reasons. They attract fish to a known location and therefore the reefs are very beneficial to local fishermen, divers, and snorkelers.
The other reason they are being considered is for the sake of the natural ecosystems that have been destroyed. 35 million acres of natural coral reefs have been destroyed by mankind, with: sedimentation, fishing with explosives, cyanide fishing, collection and dredging, water pollution, trash, human run-off (fertilizers and sewage dumped), careless recreation, and global warming.