3d Printing a Coral

The lesser known coral reefs off of the coast of Hong Kong are home to over 80 different species of corals.

The coral environment is more diverse than those in the Caribbean Sea, and under enormous pressure from the super-densely populated islands of Hong Kong.

The reefs are also a tourist hot-spot and have suffered dramatically in recent years.

However scientists from the University of Hong Kong, led by Vriko Yu and her team, have come up with a novel new way to promote coral regrowth.

By using 3d printed terracotta tiles impregnated with coral fragments, they have been able to lay new areas of coral to encourage growth.

Laid down last summer, the artificial reefs are now teeming with life and offer fresh hopes for a new way to protect coral environments.

Unlike previous attempts to regrow coral by sinking concrete or even ships to the sea bed, these terracotta tiles do not affect the chemistry of the water.

We’ll keep you posted with updates when we can!