What is Biorock™?

On underwater, conductive structures a positively charged anode and a negatively charged cathode (structure) is assembled. A low voltage electric current between them is applied (which is safe for swimmers). This current causes minerals to crystallize from seawater onto structures. Hereby calcium carbonate (CaCO3), white limestone  is formed, similar to natural coral reefs and tropical white sand. Corals adhere to limestone and grow quickly. It seems Biorock™ corals are more resistant to bleaching and temperature changes. Ocean Care has started a small pilot project  using mineral accretion technology (Biorock™) in October 2006, with help from the diving boy scouts in the construction of the reef's metal skeleton. Inventors Tom Goreau and Wolf Hilbertz from the Global Coral Reef Alliance will hopefully be able to come and construct a large Biorock™ reef in St Maarten in 2007.