Virgin Islands Turn to 3D Printing to Revive Coral Reefs

Over the past few decades, we have increasingly seen the impact that climate change is having on our world. One of the first and clearest signs was the destruction of coral reefs worldwide, including the Great Barrier Reef, as NASA scientists estimate that up to 90% are at risk of being wiped out by 2050. This obviously has led to researchers searching for ways to not just stop this destruction but also build up those already affecting. Notably, many countries are turning towards 3D printing as they seek to revive their coral reefs. The latest example is in the British Virgin Islands, where the government is working with the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) and Rethink Rebuild Regenerating “rrreefs” to do just that.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located in the Caribbean, just east of Puerto Rico and next to the US Virgin Islands. What is exceptional is that every island in the BVI is surrounded by coral reefs, including the Anegada Horseshoe Reef, which, at 18 miles long, is not only one of the largest continuous coral reefs in the Caribbean but in the world. However, due to hurricanes, bleaching events, climate change and human activity, more than 90% of these reefs have been endangered since 2005. It is for this reason that coral reef preservation and revival is such a priority for the government.

The British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean is composed of a number of islands, many of them surrounded by coral (photo credits: Government of the Virgin Islands)

Ms. Argel Horton, a Marine Biologist and Environmental Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, is, however, particularly hopeful about the role that 3D printing will play in helping to bring these coral reefs back to life with this project. She explains, “Once it starts thriving, it can be replicated and integrated into our existing reef system so the Territory’s coastal defense can protect us from intense hurricanes, storms, and flooding in our critical low lining communities. We would be the second in the Caribbean to test this system, and I’m eager to see how well it will work within our region.”