*by Giorgos Diamantopoulos
The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research has received approval to install 40 artificial reefs in the Stalis diving park, Hersonissos, Heraklion, with a view to fostering a rich marine ecosystem and promoting diving tourism.
The proposal to install 40 artificial reefs using innovative technology by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in the diving park of the Stalis marine area, within the Municipality of Hersonissos, Heraklion regional unit, has been approved. The park, which has been designated by a joint decision of the Ministers of National Economy and Finance and Environment & Energy, is the first licensed diving park in the Prefecture of Heraklion; it will be established in the “Platia” marine area in Stalis, Hersonissos, covering an area of 22.5 acres, where guided recreational dives will take place.
The artificial reefs developed by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and Marine Conservation are made of environmentally friendly concrete of a special composition and mimic natural underwater rock, providing numerous habitats for marine organisms to colonise.
Their natural colonisation process begins immediately upon installation on the seabed. Within 1–2 months, the reefs become home to high-value fish species such as groupers and breams, whilst attracting large pelagic fish such as wrasses. In addition, they support a rich biocommunity of benthic organisms such as sponges, ascidians and anemones.
The programme includes the procurement of a 7.5-metre diving boat capable of transporting eight visiting divers to the Park, as well as a self-propelled unmanned underwater vehicle (ROV). This vehicle, equipped with high-definition underwater cameras, is designed to support the vessel’s research work and to demonstrate the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research’s innovative technology in the field. In fact, with a view to commercialising the research findings, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research established a Knowledge-Intensive Enterprise (spin-off) in March 2021, named “Innovative Applications of Artificial Reefs”.
Source: traveldailynews.gr