• 500 million people worldwide (8% of human population) depend directly on coral reefs for food and income

• The Philippines is part of the largest and most diverse coral reef region in the world, with about 60% of animal protein sourced from coral reefs

• However, >88% of Philippine coral reefs are significantly threatened by human activities

MITIDEAS CompetitionInnovation Development Enterprise Action Service

MITIDEAS CompetitionInnovation Development Enterprise Action Service

1. Background

2. First-Step Coral System

Gerardo la O’, Illac Diaz, Rhoderick Samonte*, Daniel Walker, Neil Ruiz, Dr. Tom Goreau+, Antonio Cueva%, and Ed Kurth# || MIT, Cambridge, MA; *Brandeis University, Waltham, MA; +Global Coral Reef Alliance, Cambridge, MA; %Sagay Marine Reserve Authority, Negros Occidental, Philippines #GCK Turbine Technologies, San Antonio, TX

Figure 1. The Coral Reef Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity. Home to 75% of all corals known to science and over 3,000 reef fish (Nature Conservancy)

Gorlov Turbine

These two technologies have never been combined before and its successful implementation can radically alter coral reef restoration worldwide

3. Prototype Design (for Carbin Reef, Sagay Philippines)

4. Community (Sagay City, Philippines)

Philippine Islands

• Highly efficient (up to 35%) hydroelectric turbine in free-flowing water applications (no dams required)

• Operates regardless of water flow direction and self starting with water-flow as low as 2feet/sec

• Smooth running and turbine requires low maintenance

• Tidal Energy often found around coral reefs and can harnessed to rehabilitate corals

• Employs low voltage DC current to deposit calcium rich substrate as base for coral regeneration

• Speeds the growth of coral reefs 3-5 times

• Increases survival from severe high temperature 16-50 times

• Rapidly increases fish population and creates ecotourism attractions

• Has been proven in field tests in Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean

BioRock Method

Figure 2. Schematic of BioRock structure, calcium deposition and undersea demonstration with diver. (http://www.BioRock.net)

Figure 5. Comparative performance of various turbines under free-flowing conditions

Figure 4. 3-blade Gorlov turbine connected to electric generator. Figure 3. BioRock structure with

healthy coral “plantings” in Bali, Indonesia.

Gorlov Turbine

TurbineShaft

Electric Alternator

Electricity Flow

(-)

(+)

BioRock Structure

Step-wise Prototype description in Figure 6:

1. Gorlov turbine and housing will be anchored to the sea bed where strong tidal currents can be harnessed

2. A shaft will connect the turbine to the surface linking this to the electric alternator

3. Copper wiring will connect alternator leads to BioRock structure (cathode) and anode

4. BioRock structure will be anchored to seabed to prevent shifting and connected to electrical system

Figure 6. Schematic of First-Step Coral System for Sagay Project

1

2 3

4

Marine Reserve and Carbin Reef•In 2001 the Sagay Marine Law was passed to establish 3 major protected areas:

- Carbin reef 500 hectares- Maca reef 1000 hectares - Panal submerged reef 500 hectares

•Reefs inside and outside protected areas damaged by blast fishing

•Nearby Molocaboc and Suyac islands is populated with almost 5000 people dependent on reefs for survival •Carbin Reef has had recent clams and abalone reseeding project

•The extent of a successful First-Step Coral project in Sagay will contribute to the fishing community’s sustainable survival.

•The Sagay Marine Museum to open June 2006 will greatly benefit community through education and technology transfer of First-Coral Project

•Dissemination of knowledge, experience and expertise will be made the Marine Museum’s educational programs.

•Once this project has been shown to work in manycommunities, the model can be replicated throughout the Coral Triangle region

Marine and Fisheries Impact

Figure 7. Sagay name derived from small semi-spherical shell “sigay” previously abundant in its beaches. Now seen as fancy jewelry above

Figure 8. Sagay is located in the Northern section of the island of Negros, Philippines

Figure 9. Aerial view of Sagay City with location of Carbin Reef, Marine Museum and City Center.

Figure 10. Soon to be opened (June 2006) Sagay Marine Museum to showcase as research and educational center for marine resources.