Everyone loves the beach. That's why protecting beaches is such an important pursuit for coastal communities. The most common method of preserving beach sand is the seawall, which slows down longshore currents that shift sand away from the shore. But there is an emerging technique that has many advantages over the traditional seawall. Artificial reefs not only protect the beach from eroding forces, but provide a foundation for marine habitat and create lots of recreational opportunities, such as diving, fishing, and surfing.
ASR Limited is a global leader in artificial reef design and construction. Check out some of their handiwork here.
- Mitchell Flexo
Photo: The artificial reef in Santa Monica Bay attracts a diverse array of wildlife (Dave Witting, NOAA).
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