Coral reefs around the world are experiencing a continuous process of degradation which is a result of both human activity and natural causes. Using digital design tools and design thinking methods, designers can help the global effort to find new ways to better understand the next practices of protection and restoration of coral reefs that experience devastating annihilation. This example reveals a new challenge -Nature-Centered Design -which is the next practice needed for the coming colossal challenges in our Anthropocene era. In the current research the efforts were focused on finding new ways to create artificial corals made of bioplastic, using different materials, colors, sizes and forms stemming from the same scanned model. The different 3D coral designs were tested for fish behavior around them. The early results of the research show that 3D printed corals can be installed and become a habitable place for fish. This finding helps to support a recovery of a reef since fish, as inherent part of the reef, can protect and enrich a new planting of corals. This case highlights the potential of tackling environmental challenges through design.
Coral reefs are three-dimensional biogenic structures that provide habitat for plenty of marine organisms; yet, coral reefs are deteriorating worldwide. Hence, it is essential to identify suitable substitutes for such coral services. This study examines reef fishes’ behavior and reactions to three-dimensional-printed (3DP) corals based on scanned Stylophora pistillata, as well as modified 3DP models. In particular, fishes’ unresponsiveness to the color, shape, morphology, and material of 3DP models both in vitro and in situ experiments was investigated. Coral reef fishes responded to the 3DP corals and demonstrated their usage in a range of services. Moreover, a greater number of fish species interacted more with 3DP models than they did with live corals. Furthermore, specific reef fish species, such as Sea Goldies (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), showed a preference for specific 3DP coral color, and other species demonstrated preferences for specific 3DP model shapes. The current study results show that three-dimensional-printed coral models can substitute for live corals for certain types of reef fish services.
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