Underwater Cities Plan Repurposed to Revitalize Coral Reefs

The Underwater Solution: AI, Biorock, and Coral Reef Restoration

In a surprising twist, a trifecta of artificial intelligence, an ambitious 1970s underwater city plan, and a designer crafting furniture on the ocean floor near the Bahamas may hold the key to combating the extensive damage to coral reefs. This innovative approach could even provide a bulwark against the relentless advance of coastal erosion.

The Visionary: Tom Dixon and Suhair Khan

Renowned industrial designer Tom Dixon drew inspiration from architect Wolf Hilbertz’s audacious scheme to construct a submerged metropolis and subsequently raise it to the surface. Collaborating with technologist Suhair Khan, founder of an AI incubator, Dixon is exploring the potential of Hilbertz’s groundbreaking invention from 1976: Mineral Accretion Technology.

The Magic of Mineral Accretion Technology

This ingenious technique involves a charged metal framework submerged in seawater, which attracts and accumulates calcium carbonate, much like the formation of limescale in kettles exposed to hard water. The resulting limestone deposit, known as Biorock, not only regenerates eroded reefs but also accelerates the growth of coral and other marine life such as oysters and sea grass by a factor of two.

“It also grows back eroded reefs and regenerates coral, and species like oysters and sea grass grow twice as fast,” explains Dixon, who has experimented with the technique by creating limestone furniture off the coast of the Bahamas.

The Power of AI Predictions

Dixon and Khan are now collaborating, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to forecast the outcomes of deploying Biorock in various locations. By inputting data such as water temperature, weather conditions, and available solar power, the AI model can predict the success and impact of Biorock installations in different environments.

Engaging Local Communities

The duo plans to pilot their groundbreaking work off the northern coast of Australia, as revealed by Khan. They are actively seeking the involvement and guidance of affected local communities to ensure the project’s success and garner support for their innovative approach to coral reef restoration and coastal protection.

This article appears in the March/April 2024 issue of The Zero Byte UK magazine.