Auslan tour - Living Seawalls
Transcript
In Sydney Harbour, 50% of the natural shoreline has been modified for urban constructions, such as pilings, pontoons or marinas. Urban coastal structures negatively impact the biodiversity and ecosystem services of coastal areas.
Living Seawalls are concrete panels which mimic the features often found in natural shorelines. There are many habitat panel designs. Each design targets a different feature to facilitate the colonisation and growth of a diverse range of marine organisms.
The purpose of Living Seawalls is to provide suitable habitats for seaweeds, shellfish and other animals to live. They also provide protection from predators and high temperatures.
Living Seawalls have been installed around the world. There has been an increase of up to 36% in the number of fish, seaweed and invertebrates in some areas where Living Seawalls are installed.
Oysters and mussels often grow on the Living Seawalls. These molluscs help to remove particles from the water. This makes the water cleaner for swimming, fishing and recreational activities.
Touch the Living Seawalls. What do you feel?
The Living Seawalls are an example of eco-engineering. Can you think of other eco-engineering solutions for our ocean?