Scientists in Taiwan hope to grow coral reefs at the bases of wind turbines. Orsted, a Danish energy company. Aims to test with growing corals on the foundations of wind turbines to see if the method can be scaled up.
The proposal will be tested in “the tropical waters of Taiwan.” In collaboration with Taiwanese partners. The statement this week is the next step forward in the company’s record effort. which began in 2018.
Record participants were able to raise young corals at a quayside location last year.
The Greater Changhua 1 Offshore Wind Farm. A huge facility 35 to 60 kilometers (22 to 37 miles) off Taiwan’s coast. We will host proof-of-concept experiments in June 2022. With the goal of settling larvae and subsequently growing corals. On four foundations, the project will utilize 1 meter squared spaces.
Reefs have a crucial role in the natural world, in addition to their vibrant beauty.
Around a quarter of the ocean’s fish rely on healthy coral reefs. According to the National Weather service. “In the various nooks and crannies made by corals, fish, and other species shelter. Locate food, mate, and rear their young,” the US agency claims.
Coral reefs are a source of food and “novel medicines,” according to NOAA. They defend coasts from scour and storms while also giving jobs to local populations.
Despite their importance, coral reefs face various dangers, including coral bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Which maintains the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia, acknowledged this in March.
According to a 2017 datasheet from the GBRMPA, bleaching occurs when corals are stressed. Lose relatively small photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, leading to starvation.
“As zooxanthellae depart the corals, the corals grow whiter and more transparent,” the paper explains. Which is occurring more frequently as our climate changes and oceans become warmer.”
