On October 15, in the waters near Xidao Island in Sanya, a total of 16 artificial reefs, each measuring six meters square and weighing around 90 tons, were sequentially deployed to the seabed at a depth of about 20 meters. Made from reinforced concrete, these artificial reefs are set to become a new habitat for marine life in the area.
During an interview, engineer Li Zonghao from Sanya Environmental Agricultural Investment Group Co. Ltd. mentioned that these square-shaped reefs are designed to provide stability and resistance to tipping. The reefs contain multiple openings, allowing marine organisms to breed, grow, and seek refuge within them after deployment. Additionally, the introduction of these artificial reefs aims to combat illegal fishing practices and alleviate seabed desertification, thereby accelerating the restoration of biological habitats.
Sanya Bay, stretching over 20 kilometers along the southern coast of Sanya City, is renowned for its picturesque landscape filled with coconut trees, gentle waves, and white sandy beaches. “In recent years, our monitoring surveys of the bay have indicated a declining trend in marine biodiversity,” said Li. “The ecological restoration of Sanya Bay is now urgent.”
Li further elaborated that the ecological restoration project is extensive, having begun in 2022 with the initial phase led by the former Sanya Environmental Investment Group, which involved transplanting 15,000 coral reefs, creating a 110-hectare artificial reef area near Xidao, and releasing 34,000 juvenile fish into the waters.
The deployment of the artificial reefs, initiated in August of this year, aims to install a total of 320 reef structures, covering nearly 3 million square meters upon completion. According to Yuan Liming, project manager from the China Communications Construction Company, the installation has surpassed the halfway mark. “Due to the size and weight of the reefs, the deployment is quite challenging. We need to adjust our construction techniques based on the daily wave conditions to ensure accurate placement of the reefs.”
After all the artificial reefs have been deployed, the project will gradually increase the population of reef-associated fish, specifically releasing 145,000 fish from the snapper and grouper families. Li highlighted that professional organizations will conduct ongoing monitoring and management of the ecological restoration to promote the natural recovery of the marine ecosystem.