CSR Report 2018

MANAGING OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT CSR 2018 – BOSKALIS 18 SUPPORTING LIFE IN OUR OCEANS WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

3D printed artificial reef unit approximately one year after installation, off the coast of Monaco.

Oceans cover almost three-quarters of our planet’s surface area, making them Earth’s largest habitat. They teem with life, playing host to millions of species. Of these, reefs are arguably the oceans’ most fascinating yet fragile feature. Reefs in shallow coastal seawater support marine biodiversity, protect coastlines around the world by absorbing wave energy and encourage underwater tourism. Coral reefs in particular are some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Although the United Nations estimates that they cover less than 0.1% of the world’s ocean area, the World Wildlife Fund notes they still they provide a home for at least 25% of all marine species. However, these reefs are also incredibly delicate. Since reefs depend on a careful balance of nutrients and light in surrounding seawater to survive, small changes in water temperature or level can have a significant effect. Overfishing or physical disturbance from infrastructure development can also negatively impact these structures, as does sunscreen, the ingredients of which can be deeply harmful to marine life. In such instances, installing artificial reefs can help restore, fortify or preserve the marine environment. In theory, artificial reefs can be built from almost anything; from concrete blocks or old shopping trolleys to decommissioned ships. However, in practice, placing a random foreign object underwater can have unforeseen consequences. Instead, researchers are increasingly seeking to tailor artificial reefs to their intended environments to make sure they cause as little disruption as possible.