ArtReef, the project that will regenerate reefs with recycled marble

Madrid, April 28 (EFEverde).- Artificial reefs made of recycled marble will be used to restore marine ecosystems along the coast of the Region of Murcia as part of the ArtReef project.

The Marble, Stone, and Materials Technology Center's initiative aims to restore marine biodiversity, reduce the impact of human activities, and protect critical coastal infrastructure. It includes both the ecological design of reefs and their effective integration into the marine ecosystem, once the most suitable areas for implementation are identified.

Furthermore, ArtReef promotes a circular economy and valorizes waste such as marble, a useful material for restoration due to its acoustic and electromagnetic properties, as well as its structural performance and biocompatibility in the marine environment.

Satellite imagery and digital twin models will also be implemented, technological tools that will allow for precise monitoring of the newly generated ecosystems and the effects of climate change on them. Work will also be done on the reintroduction of key species, selected for their adaptability and their role in the regeneration of these coastal habitats.

Recently, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported the largest reef bleaching crisis. This problem is due to ocean warming and affects 83.7% of reefs, according to NOAA.