The artificial reefs around Koh Tao play a vital role in promoting marine conservation and eco-tourism, offering divers and snorkelers the chance to experience the beauty of the underwater world while supporting the protection of marine ecosystems. As you dive or snorkel some of Koh Tao’s many beautiful bays and beaches you may come across a few of these artificial reefs made by our Big Blue Conservationists and other Marine conservationists on Koh Tao and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.
Concrete blocks and other artificial structures have been used as artificial reefs in various marine environments around the island and while it appears a lot of the work appears to have reached stagnancy, especially the concrete bricks, other structures are booming.
The success of an artificial reef largely depends on careful site selection. Placing concrete blocks in unsuitable locations, such as areas with poor water quality or strong currents, could limit their effectiveness as fish habitats and marine ecosystems. The design and materials used in constructing artificial reefs can influence their functionality. They need to be designed to provide adequate habitat complexity and mimic natural reef structures to attract marine life.
Artificial reefs often take time to mature and become fully colonized by marine organisms. It may take several years or even decades for a concrete block reef to develop into a thriving ecosystem. Regular monitoring and maintenance of artificial reefs are essential to ensure they remain effective over time. Neglecting maintenance can lead to deterioration and decreased ecological value. The success of an artificial reef can also depend on the local marine ecology and the species present in the area. Some species may be more attracted to artificial structures, while others might not show much interest.
Some of the major Dive Centers on Koh Tao have been actively involved in creating artificial reefs to enhance marine biodiversity and support its fragile marine ecosystem. These human-made structures are placed in the ocean to encourage the growth of marine life and provide habitats for various marine species.
One of the most popular artificial reefs around Koh Tao is the decommissioned HTMS Sattakut, a former Royal Thai Navy vessel. It was purposely sunk off the coast of Koh Tao in 2011 to create a diving site and an artificial reef. The wreck has since become a thriving habitat for a diverse array of marine creatures, including corals, sponges, and various fish species. It is a popular destination for recreational divers due to its accessibility and the fascinating marine life it attracts.
Located on the southwest side of Koh Tao, the Junkyard dive site is a collection of old, submerged structures deliberately placed underwater to create an artificial reef system. Over time, marine life has colonized these structures, turning them into unique habitats. Divers can explore the and observe the marine ecosystem that has developed around them.
Buoyancy World off the north end of Twins dive site is another artificial reef site around Koh Tao that has been designed to attract and support marine life. It features several concrete shapes and structures made by dive centers on Koh Tao strategically placed to encourage coral growth and create a suitable environment for various fish species. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.
You will come across many bays around Koh Tao with artificial reefs as a collection of large concrete cubes placed on the sandy seafloor. These cubes serve as a substrate for corals to grow on, attracting marine creatures of all sizes. The site provides an interesting contrast to the natural reef systems found around Koh Tao and offers unique opportunities for diving and underwater exploration.
There are also a few dive sites around Koh Tao with the odd motorbike, tuk tuk, or even small catamaran which have been strategically placed there over the years by discerning Dive centers hoping to start their own house reefs, but there whereabouts are relatively safely guarded, so coming across them is all part of the fun and mystery in discovering something new.
It’s important to note that research and technology surrounding artificial reefs continue to evolve, and advancements may have been made beyond my last update. Scientists and conservationists work diligently to improve the design and deployment of artificial reefs to enhance their ecological benefits. Furthermore, the effectiveness of artificial reefs may vary from one location to another, making it challenging to make blanket statements about their overall success or failure.
If you want to know more about conservation on Koh Tao get in touch with our eco department at Big Blue Conservation.