| "To Preserve Protect and
Enhance Marine Life" |
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In November 2004, the Tourism Development
Cooperation of Barbados donated $27000 to aid in the
scientific monitoring and the development of the reef ball
site. Their contribution will help us to determine the changes
that are occurring at the the reef ball pilot site.
Reef Ball Pictures (July 9th
2004)
The Barbados Marine Trust has recently placed
30 reef balls into the water on the South Coast. Above are
pictures of the transportation from the Flour Mill to
the underwater site. The reef will be named after Mr. Willard
King, a fisherman of the South Coast who contributed greatly
to the fishing community in the Hastings area. Special thanks
to (in alphabetical
order): Peter Allard, the British High Commission, Charles
Blades, James Blades, Leif Brandel, Recycling Preparation Inc.
and Tim Curtis of Swiss Re. Special thanks to Preconco Ltd.
for the construction of the reef balls. |
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The main objectives of
the project are:
• To improve the marine environment for
present and future generations and in particular to increase
the biodiversity in the area.
• To improve the species
variety and population density of all marine life, fish,
corals sponges etc. in the area.
• To use local knowledge
and experience to restore the ailing marine environment in the
most cost effective manner · The ecological enhancement of the
area.
• To mimic the natural environment in an area which
is the least polluted in Barbados.
• To create an
environment which will enhance the “Food Fish” population of
the area.
• To create an awareness of the marine
environment and to use the local Fishing Community /Diving
/Dive Boat/ Cruise Operators/ Pleasure Craft operators/ Water
Sports Operators/Hotels/ as “Reef Police” to ensure the
success of the project. |
• To use this project as a means of
monitoring reef development for future generations.
“Reef
Balls/ Artificial Reef Systems ” have been tried and tested
worldwide and the results have been well documented. They are
easy to construct and the materials and labour required are
available locally. |
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| Reef balls/Artificial
reefs are individually created, specially treated, concrete
modules designed to attract marine life to a specific area.
They are deployed in groups of varying numbers and sizes, and
are resistant to both the physical, chemical and human
interference. They are constructed with the natural
environment in mind and have a life span of approximately 500
years. Specially designed moulds are used to construct the
reef balls and these moulds, once purchased are re-usable for
at least 8 years.
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© 1999-2005 Barbados Marine Trust
The Barbados
Marine Trust - Underwater Barbados - Carlisle Bay Centre - Bay
Street - St. Michael - Barbados - West Indies.
Tel: (246)
262-2048/ 426-0655 - Fax: (246) 426-0655 - e-mail: mailto:info@barbadosmarinetrust.com
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| Latest News
Tourism Development
Cooperation of Barbados donates $27000 to aid in the scientific
monitoring and the development of the reef ball site.
The Reef Balls are
underwater and are already frequented by fish such as parrotfish,
sergeant majors, ocean surgeons, trumpetfish and much more
!
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