Research Projects
Heron Island
Heron Island Coral Gardens
Site 1
Located in the Southern Great Barrier Reef in a well flushed region, the Coral Gardens occupy a sloping reef wall from 2m to 20m with a variety of coral and marine life. Evidence of damaged coral colonies in this region, especially in the shallower sections indicate damage could be due to storms and/or coral bleaching events. Providing an ideal research site for a Nurtured.Co reef. Within 6 months of installation the artificial reef has produced a thick coating of calcium carbonate providing the necessary foundation for both coral and fish life. This reef will be used to monitor and study the effects the technology has in resisting increasing ocean temperatures and to determine how successful the reef performs in a well flushed environment.
heron island lagoon
Site 2
Located approximately 1.5km into the Heron Island Lagoon. This location is less flushed than Site 1 but provides strong shelter to coral colonies; however similarly to Coral Gardens some local corals appear to be suffering the effects of increased water temperatures. This artificial reef site will be used to monitor and study the effects the technology has in resisting increasing ocean temperatures in a less flushed shallow water lagoon environment. After a few short months this Nurtured.Co reef has already become a popular fish feeding site and home to fish and coral colonies alike.
