Artificial Reef Built from Coal Power Station Waste Attracts Marine Life in Weeks

UK turned 50 tonnes of coal waste into reef; lobsters arrived within 3 weeks

Researchers created an artificial reef from coal-fired power station waste in Poole Bay. Marine life began colonizing the structure almost immediately after its deployment. Adult lobsters and edible crabs reached the reef within three weeks of its placement. The structure attracted schools of pouting and supported reproduction for several species. This experiment showed industrial waste could become a productive marine habitat.

By TOI SCIENCE DESK