Mini reefs restore SWFL canals (VIDEO)
Mini reefs can help grow over 300 fish a year and mussels and sea squirts. They grow over 200 crabs a year.
By Carolina Lopez
As canals age, chemicals from fertilizers, pesticides, oil from boats and outdate developmental methods of constructing them like deep, box-like channels with steep sides that don’t take into account water circulation and inconsistent depths slowly deplete the nutrients and oxygen in water. This can kill marine species that restore the oxygen and nutrients. Artificial mini reefs can boost the variety of fish and other marine life. Many organisms attach themselves to the mini reefs and help clean the water. In fact, these species can filter 30,000 gallons of water a day, removing phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, and microorganisms.
Water filters through the mini reef to filter feed different species. The mini reefs can help grow over 300 fish a year and mussels and sea squirts. They grow over 200 crabs a year.
The mini reefs are secured to pilings under the dock, protecting them from storms and high tides. The materials used for the reefs can last up to 10 years.
