Imagine transforming everyday trash—oyster shells, coffee grounds, even carnival spills—into underwater shelters for marine life. This is the inspiring vision behind the Habitats for Aquatic Life and Ocean Systems (HALOS) project in Trinidad and Tobago.
The vital role of coral reefs
Did you know that coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the ocean? It’s a fitting name considering they’re home to around 4,000 species of fish, 840 species of coral and over a million other sea creatures. Although they cover less than 0.1% of the Earth’s surface, their intricate patterns and formations take thousands of years to develop, making them truly spectacular.
These underwater structures are built by tiny animals called polyps that secrete layers of calcium carbonate. The colors we see come from microscopic plant cells called zooxanthellae, which live on the skin of the polyps. They have a reciprocal relationship – the zooxanthellae provide food through photosynthesis, and in return, the polyps provide shelter and nutrients.
Coral reefs do so much for us and marine life. They support 25% of all marine species, reduce coastal erosion by softening shorelines, and help sustain the livelihoods of an estimated one billion people through fishing and tourism. Even in medicine, materials from coral exoskeletons are used for bone grafting, and compounds from reef organisms are used in treatments for diseases such as leukemia and skin cancer. In total, coral reefs provide $375 billion worth of resources and services annually!
Threats to coral reefs
Human activities have put coral reefs under tremendous stress, leading to issues such as global warming, ocean acidification and pollution. These factors have drastically reduced the health of the reefs, making them susceptible to bleaching and disease. Projections suggest that by 2050, we could see a 70-90% decline in living coral cover.
A glimmer of hope from Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, especially Tobago, is famous for its stunning coral reefs, but unfortunately, they are not immune to degradation. That’s why the Trinidad and Tobago Accelerator Lab launched an innovative project to help turn the tide: “Habitats for Aquatic Life and Ocean Systems (HALOS)”, a collaborative effort with the UNDP Accelerator Lab and the Institute of Maritime Affairs (IMA). ).
Turning trash into reef wonders
The HALOS project is about creating artificial reefs from waste materials. We are using spent oyster shells, coffee grounds, glass and even sargassum seaweed to build these reefs. It’s a new take on artificial reefs, aiming to house marine life and provide a substrate for regeneration, while also addressing waste management.
Unlike other coral rehabilitation projects that are expensive and rely heavily on foreign expertise, the HALOS project offers a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative. The project turns waste into high-value products such as activated carbon for water filtration, coral plugs and even insulating paint. The best part? It supports local economies by utilizing abundant local waste streams.
A splash of local culture
One of the best aspects of HALOS is how it taps into Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival culture. The intricate coral designs are created by skilled wire artists who traditionally create elaborate wire sculptures for carnivals. Their artistry adds a unique cultural touch to the project, transforming waste into intricate coral structures and raising coral conservation awareness among the creators.
Early success and future plans
On May 28, a pilot reef was launched at Nelson Island and within just ten days, it attracted many species of sea sponge. This unexpected success prompted the team to explore the possibilities of cultivating sea sponges. In addition, the project tested sargassum seaweed, carbon black and seashell coral plugs in reef tanks, showing promising results.
The project also involves pyrolysis, a deoxygenated combustion process, to convert sargassum seaweed into activated carbon. While sargassum may contain heavy metals such as arsenic, pyrolysis at high temperatures can make it safe for marine use. Testing at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and the Institute of Marine Affairs ensures the processed carbon is safe for our ocean friends.
What’s next?
Next steps include sinking the reef composition in the Nelson Island area, followed by compressive strength testing and biological monitoring. The reef systems will be monitored remotely via the Aqualink online platform with live video streams managed by the Institute of Marine Affairs. This allows us to share the wonders of our marine life with the world and promote conservation efforts.
The HALOS project represents an important development for marine habitat restoration in Trinidad and Tobago. Utilizing local resources and culture, it provides a model for sustainable, scalable and cost-effective coral reef rehabilitation. It is a great example of how we can turn waste into something beautiful and valuable for our planet.
Let’s continue to innovate and protect our oceans, one reef at a time, to ensure these vital ecosystems thrive for generations to come.
