Although the reefs on Pemba are still in better condition than most reefs around the world, years of fishing on the reef by local fishermen have affected the reefs. Luckily the habit of dynamite fishing has not been used on the island of Pemba, which unfortunately is not the case on Zanzibar. It is not yet too late to improve reef and ocean wildlife and recreate the unspoilt state it deserves. Our mission is to protect our natural reef systems using Reef Ball artificial reef technologies. Reef Balls are artificial reef modules placed in the ocean to form reef habitat. We work together with the non-governmental organization
reefball.org to preserve and recreate our coral and fish life.
Reef Balls lead the world in the design of artificial reef modules. The balls are created to sustain marine reef habitat. They have been tailored to meet reef project's goals and they will achieve this in a safe, long term, environmental way.
An artificial reef has to be both engineered to last against sea forces (chemical and physical) and shaped with biological uses in mind. The Reef Balls are made in concrete engineered to last over 500 years, and tested in wave tanks to ensure they cannot overturn in waves. Biologically they have been shaped to optimize protective void spaces for fish and include a rough surface to enhance coral settlement. Holes designed to create whirlpools help bring
nutrients to animals and plants living on the Reef Ball surface. The technology achieves rehabilitation in just 3-5 years.
