3D reefs
Objectives

  • To identify and select biologically inspired model species with morphologies that maximize surface complexity and ecological functionality.
  • To design and fabricate a series of 3D-printed reef prototypes that replicate these structures while ensuring mechanical stability and durability in marine conditions.
  • To experimentally evaluate colonization dynamics under controlled conditions, focusing on parameters such as biofilm formation, chlorophyll-a concentration, and species succession.
  • To identify colonizing organisms and correlate their development with environmental variables including temperature, salinity, pH, and satellite-derived indicators such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST).
  • To develop a non-invasive monitoring system capable of estimating colonization rates using image analysis and remote sensing data.
  • To identify suitable coastal deployment sites and develop scalable production methods using eco-friendly materials, ensuring that the proposed solution can be applied in real-world conditions.