Artificial reef to be installed in Sydney Harbor

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In an attempt to restore the delicate ecosystem in the iconic Sydney Harbor, a joint collaboration was announced on Tuesday that will see an artificial reef, consisting of nine hexagonal-shaped modules, being installed adjacent to the world-famous Opera House.

The collaboration between the New South Wales (NSW) government and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will result in a reef being placed in the harbor, as part of an ongoing analysis of methods to improve biodiversity, and ensure the survival of native species.

The NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said in a statement that she is excited about the partnership that will see the government work hand-in-hand with ecologists to deliver the ambitious project.

An artificial reef will be installed adjacent to the world-famous Opera House. /abc.net.au

"This trial is an important project because research shows seawalls and other man-made structures tend to attract less marine life and native species than natural harbor shores," Upton said.

The lead ecologist on the project, David Booth, a professor of marine ecology at UTS, said more than 50 percent of the shoreline of Sydney's harbor has been replaced with seawalls in order to ensure that erosion and storms do not cause damage, and the reef might help restore some of what has been lost due to the preventative measures.

David Booth, the lead ecologist on the project and professor of marine ecology at UTS. /uts.edu.au

"We believe that new initiatives, such as the artificial reef that will be trialled at the Opera House, could help restore natural marine habitats and rebalance biodiversity around the harbor," Booth said.

The artificial reef is expected to be set up at the Opera House in early 2018.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency