The Miroz System for the Construction of Artificial Coral Reefs Using Coral Fragments

 

Since 1988, Aharon Miroz (Head Curator of Coral World International) has developed a system for building artificial reefs using coral fragments of various sizes. The initial process involves rehabilitation under laboratory conditions for the fragments in order to minimize stress, permit recovery and promote initial growth.Consideration is given to lighting factors in the hope of reflecting light conditions similar to the depth of placement in the ocean. Consideration is also given to the appropriate segregation of species to minimize competition and optimize compatibility. The coral fragments are fed a specialized diet and when appropriate growth is observed (usually between three and six months) the coral reef fragments are deemed ready for transfer to designated rehabilitation sites in the ocean.  

So far, six artificial reefs have been constructed in depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Substrates for replacement vary from live rock, cement blocks, plastic, fiberglass, and stainless steel mesh. The system attachment is critical to the success of the artificial reef system. The following lists the main advantages of constructing a coral reef from fragments:

  1. Control in coral fragment placement while maintaining mutual relations between genii and species of corals in order to avoid predation and competition.

  2. Construction of a coral reef at any depth of an area of the ocean (in which coral normally live).
  3. Immediate population by coral dwellers.
  4. The reef is constructed in time for the juvenile fish and invertebrates of that season to find accessible and inviting habitat.
  5. Construction of an already colorful and attractive reef.
  6. Opportunity for multi-annual follow-up of each coral.
  7. The time-saving factor allows within a short period the construction of an almost natural and complete coral reef.

The process described above arrived after detailed experimentation and has shown a remarkable success rate.

For More information, please contact Aharon Miroz at:

 

Aharon Miroz c/o Maui Ocean Center       

92 Ma'alaea Road

Wailuku, Maui HI 96793

Tel: 808-270-7000

Fax: 808-270-7070