[Coral-List] Coral restoration

[Todd Barber]

Hi David,

First, let me say that artificial reef technology is definately getting 
better with the introduction of coral propagation/ re-planting, more stable 
and enviornmentally friendly materials and continued scientific development 
to allow specific applicaitons for specific goals...but that said, I 
seriously doubt the technology will every be able to replace all the exact 
functions of a natural reef.  So, conserving our reefs has to be the highest 
priority.

That all said, there is a point of practicality that must be pointed out. 
Let's just assume for one second that there were no options for artificial 
reefs, mitigation, or other offsets for development...do you really think 
all development is going to stop?  I don't think developers are purposefully 
killing reefs....there is going to be damage in nearly any developmental 
strategies to...and you make good points that some damages should clearly be 
avoided when it comes to reefs.  However, for whatever reasons...good or 
bad....if the development IS going to occur then we are all obligated to use 
our best management tools....be that artificial reefs, other forms of 
mitigation...crafty engineering...whatever works best....to try to offset 
that damage.

I enjoyed your comments....very insightful.

Thanks,

Todd R. Barber
Chairman, Reef Ball Foundation
www.reefball.org
252-353-9094

Skype name: toddbarber
Cell Phone 941-720-7549

3305 Edwards Court
Greenville, NC 27858

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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Medio, David" <MedioD at halcrow.com>
To: <coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov>
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 9:13 AM
Subject: [Coral-List] Coral restoration


>I am involved in a wide range of medium to very large coastal developments 
>some of which a priori are known to damage long established reefs in the 
>Gulf. Whereas some of the recent artificial reef applications may well have 
>had positive results, I am as rule very sceptical on the use of and 
>proliferaion as well as the political clout afforded artificial reef 
>initiatives.
>
> Firstly, can we really recreate a reef (as opposed to relocating existing 
> bits of a reef) in its complexity, function and extent?
>
> Secondly, using man made reefs, if pushed to the limit, as is the case in 
> many coastal and offshore developments in the Gulf, will amount frequently 
> to giving a green light to using such as a tool to offset large levels of 
> multi-layered damage to the marine environment, i.e. more than just the 
> coral habitats.
>
> Reefs in the Gulf are increasingly being described as far more extensive 
> and pristine and species rich than previuosly thought whilst at the same 
> coming under the greatest level of pressure ever experienced in the 
> region.
>
> The answer for their conservation is cleverly designed engineering, robust 
> and well implemented mitigation measures and environmental management 
> plans, improved environmental educational and awareness and improved 
> regulatory frameworks.
>
>
> Dr David Medio
> Principal Environmental Scientist
> Halcrow Group Ltd, Arndale Centre, Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2UL, 
> UK
> tel: switchboard +44 (0)113 2208220, direct line: +44 (0)113 220 8253, 
> mobile: +44 (0)773 919 0968
> fax: +44 (0)113 274 2924   email: mediod at halcrow.com 
> www.halcrow.com
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