*by Giorgos Diamantopoulos
The Hellenic Center for Marine Research has received approval for the installation of 40 artificial reefs in the Stalis diving park, Hersonissos, Heraklion, for the development of a rich marine bio-community and diving tourism.
The possibility of installing 40 artificial reefs of innovative technology by the Hellenic Center for Marine Research in the diving park of the Stalis marine area in the Municipality of Hersonissos, Heraklion regional unit, was approved. The park, which has been characterized by a joint decision of the Ministers of National Economy and Finance and Environment & Energy, is the first diving park licensed in the Prefecture of Heraklion, will be created in the “Platia” marine area in Stalis, Hersonissos, in 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 simulate natural underwater rock, offering numerous habitats for the establishment of marine organisms.
Their natural colonization process begins immediately upon installation on the bottom. Within 1-2 months, the reefs host high-value fish species such as groupers and breams, while attracting large pelagics such as wrasses. In addition, they support a rich biocommunity of benthic organisms such as sponges, ascidians and anemones.
The program includes the procurement of a 7.5-meter diving boat with the capacity to transport 8 visiting divers to the Park, as well as a self-propelled unmanned underwater vehicle (ROV). This vehicle equipped with high-definition underwater cameras aims to support the research work of the vessel and to directly demonstrate the innovative technology of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in the field. In fact, with the aim of commercializing the results of the research, the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in March 2021 established a Knowledge-Intensive Enterprise (spin-off) with the distinctive title “Innovative Applications of Artificial Reefs”.
Source: traveldailynews.gr
