Artificial reef planned for SMB
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from August 2002.
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The proposal, if successful, could help protect and enhance that part of Seven Mile Beach, which backs on to the 309-room facility, its proponents hope.
However, when approached on Friday to elaborate on the plans to submerge over 100 concrete 'reef balls', in the near transparent waters, the Marriott's general manager, Mr. Willy Giger, "declined to comment at this time." Government officials confirm that Executive Council has approved the project, "subject to outstanding conditions being met."
Just what those conditions are, though, has not been specified. The project could involve the submersion of up to 200 concrete 'reef balls' in the ocean behind the hotel.
Government sources also confirm that the marine-friendly concrete balls are being fabricated in Grand Cayman. Hadsphaltic International civil engineering firm are the contractors and will both manufacture and install the reef balls. With none of the parties willing to speak comprehensively about the project the Compass was referred to www.reefball.com. According to the website the textured and perforated structures come in more than five different sizes, some of which are up to 6 feet wide and 4.5 feet high.
The website claims that Continued on page 2 from page 1 once submerged the reef balls help restore the ailing coral reef and provide an environmentally-friendly habitat where fish and micro-organisms can flourish. Reef balls have been used to combat beach erosion and provide diver-friendly habitats off West Palm Beach and Gran Dominicas in the Dominican Republic, the website also adds.
