3D printed coral reefs for Siam Bay.

November 23, 2023 Tanyaporn R.

Both government and private sectors join hands to build 3D-printed coral reefs for Siam Bay, Koh Racha Yai Island, Phuket Province. The Marine Resources Rehabilitation Subdivision in the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources with The Siam Cement Company while the Coral reefs are designed and placed down by CPAC Green Solution from Thai Union Group and The Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. There are 88 3D-printed coral reefs placed along Siam Bay on 21 November 2023. Siam Bay is around 50 rai or 19 acre. The coral reefs along the bay are very damaged, only sand remains in some areas.

Coral reefs have a hard time restoring naturally, for many reasons, the coral reefs in Siam Bay cannot recover on their own. Siam Bay is a tourist destination so the artificial coral reefs must blend in with the natural environment. With help from CPAC and Chulalongkorn University, unique concrete 3D-printed coral reefs are the perfect solution. The artificial coral reefs mimic natural coral reefs while being strong and environmentally friendly. The new reefs are also light and easy to place down or relocate. There is a plan to continue the project for 3 years starting now. The coral reefs are believed to set in after 1 year. With the success of this project, there are plans to also restore coral reefs in other areas.

Volunteer divers have collected the remains of the original coral reef along Siam Bay and sea animals onto the new coral reefs. This is using artificial coral structure as foundation for coral to grow on. The related sectors will continue to monitor the new coral reefs along with researching to help find better ways to restore coral reefs in the ocean. Hopefully this project is a good start to coral reef restoration in Thailand with more projects to come.