The Silent Evolution : An Artificial Coral Reefs With a Difference

Coral reefs are a very important aspect of the marine ecosystem. In the recent times, however due to extensive activities in the oceanic areas, the coral reefs are getting wiped out. This is a cause of major concern for people and organizations across the world.

Coral reefs are regarded to be varied and diverse on account of the amount of marine creatures that thrive because of it. They are found in the shallow water parts of those oceans whose temperatures are warm. The Great Barrier Reef is a very common example of coral reefs found in the oceanic areas.

An Artist, Jason deCaires Taylor has created one of the most striking colonies of artificial coral reefs in The National Marine Park, Cancun, Mexico. Known as the Silent Evolution, the most important and beautiful highlights of this unique colony of coral reefs can be explained as follows:

• The colony is composed of sculptures that are placed underwater so as to attract the attention of the marine life- forms
• Fibreglass is the material used to build these sculptures along with concrete whose ph-value is neutrally based. It has been found that both these materials attract a lot of marine life-forms. This means that these sculptures placed strategically will attract a lot of the required marine attention
• The size of the sculptures is about 400 feet
• The statues are placed nine metres below the sea level
• The sculptures were inaugurated on the 27^th of November 2010 and are one of the most viewed feature of the marine park
• The coral that is damaged by human activities is also replanted on these statues by the artist to ensure that the corals flourish in a better environment that is protected

The main and the vital reason that Jason Taylor came up with such a creation was to integrate art suitably along with the required environmental standards. With this creation ending up being such a positive outcome, it has resulted in not just the artistry getting recognition but the artist as well.

The theme of Silent Evolution is aimed to create a situation of positivity and promise among the despair and the frustration that is being caused. It has been observed that the artist has tried to connect the aspect of artificiality with nature as much as possible. Also, as both visitors and divers can see the gigantic sculptures placed in the water, it can be said that the purpose of creating such a concept has been more than successful.

The creation of this singular coral reef was started in the year 2006 and in the five years that it was first planned out, the idea has gained appreciation and accolades worldwide. The fact that Jason DeCaires Taylor proactively decided to act for the betterment of the marine ecosystem, however becomes the major factor that demands and merits such a high level of regard and respect.

About Author

Sharda is a freelance writer with a post graduation in journalism and mass communication. Working as a senior writer with Marine Insight, she likes to explore and write about maritime history and incidences of life at the sea. In her free time she likes reading and browsing sports channels.

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