Local marine services company In-Depth Innovations is leading an innovative project to boost fish populations and marine biodiversity using advanced artificial reefs enhanced by artificial intelligence. This ground-breaking initiative is part of the Northern Territory Government’s Business Innovation Program and is supported by Darwin Innovation Hub’s Start NT program.
At the heart of this ambitious trial are the pioneering BioReef™ modules, developed through collaboration with local partners HB Group and Aboriginal Sea Company. Utilising surplus construction-grade concrete and oyster shells, these modules embody circular economy principles by repurposing waste materials to create robust, sustainable marine habitats.
The project, which will undergo a two-year in situ trial within Darwin Harbour, seeks to assess the effectiveness of these innovative artificial reefs in supporting marine life. Throughout this trial, subsea sensors integrated with artificial intelligence will gather and analyse ecological data, enabling continuous refinement of designs and materials for maximum ecological impact.
BioReef™ modules boast impressive sustainability credentials:
- Circular manufacturing: Diverts materials from landfill, transforming them into valuable ecological assets.
- AI-powered monitoring: Provides real-time insights into ecological performance, optimising reef design and materials.
- Low carbon footprint: Achieves a 95% reduction in carbon emissions compared to similar engineered reefs.
- Specialised biomimetic designs: Created in collaboration with divers, fishers, and marine scientists, ensuring suitability for local species such as golden snapper, black jewfish, and coral trout.
- Enhanced biodiversity: Incorporates recycled oyster shells to accelerate biodiversity and colonisation rates.
- Built to last: Engineered and certified to withstand cyclonic conditions, with an operational lifespan exceeding 100 years.
Founder of In-Depth Innovations, Tynan Bartolo, expressed excitement for the project, stating: “The BioReef™ presents an exciting prospect to leverage cutting-edge technology with circular economy principles to enhance marine productivity at scale.”
Damien Collis, General Manager of HB Group, highlighted the sustainability angle: “By upcycling our surplus concrete into artificial reefs, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and actively support the Territory’s beloved fishing pastime.”
Calvin Deveraux, Chair of Aboriginal Sea Company, emphasised cultural stewardship: “Repurposing oyster shells from the Darwin Fish Market makes ecological and cultural sense. It’s a simple process where we care for sea country, and sea country looks after us.”
Start NT program mentor Dante St James noted the project’s alignment with the Hub’s objectives: “This initiative exemplifies the transformative power of innovation when combined with sustainability and technology, positioning Darwin as a leader in marine habitat restoration.”
AFANT President Warren de With praised the trial, acknowledging its importance for at-risk species: “Supporting habitat restoration, especially for vulnerable species like the golden snapper, is crucial. AFANT recognises and appreciates the NT Government’s commitment and looks forward to seeing tangible benefits from the BioReef artificial reefs.”
The AI-enhanced artificial reef trial by In-Depth Innovations marks an exciting step forward for sustainable marine innovation, reinforcing Darwin’s commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth.
