Corail Artefact, for the preservation of coral reefs

The aim of his project is to develop a biopolymer that can be used to produce 3D prints of both the supports for coral cuttings and the coral-shaped structures to which they will adhere.

Through this innovation, Jérémy Gobé wants to contribute to restoring coral reefs that are already severely impacted by climate change. In fact, corals have suffered bleaching episodes since the 1980s, and they are occurring more and more frequently and intensely.

3D printing offers flexibility in how the cutting system is created and makes it more accessible to conservation groups in the field. The structures and supports will be biodegradable and have no impact on the marine environment.

The artistic experimentation took place at Nausicaá in the aquariological reserves of the tropical sector. It was actually on these premises that a coral structure conceived by Jérémy Gobé and inspired by the shapes of the Pocillopora coral was placed.

This innovative structure, based on a biopolymer composition that includes oyster shell powder, took shape thanks to 3D printing. It was then covered with bobbin lace inspired by leadwork. The stitching of this lace is very similar to the skeleton of the coral Montastrea cavernosa.

Therefore, coral cuttings of several species such as Montipora, Heliopora coerulea, Pavona cactus, Seriatopora hystrix, Favia sp. brain coral, Platygyra, Caulastrea sp. and Stylophora pistillata have been fixed on this support.

The cuttings grew on the structure for 6 months in a tank under the daily supervision of biologists and under the watchful eye of a camera that was used to create a time-lapse video. This video is part of the Textidream - Futurotextiles 5 project supported by Lille 3000 during the Dubai World Expo and highlights textile innovations of excellence from the Hauts-de-France Region and the Lille European Metropolis.

What began as an artistic experiment combining creation, research and development in textiles turned into a scientific adventure.

The structure that is used to support coral cuttings can now be seen as an ecological solution to regenerate corals in the natural environment and can be used by associations in the field in their routine reef restoration activities.

In fact, the Oyster PLA filament used to 3D-print the structure is a biodegradable plastic obtained from corn, wheat and beet starch mixed with oyster powder.

As for the lace, it is woven with a thread that is also biobased and its purpose is to allow the coral larvae to settle and develop. Jérémy Gobé joined the Blue Living Lab to develop a completely ecological cutting system that does not harm the marine environment.

Art and innovation serving the ocean!

At Nausicaá, the plastic artist benefited from the expertise of the aquariological teams to test his prototype. Moreover, coral cuttings from Nausicaá's nurseries were used to create the structure. This first structure was covered with lace, which has the capacity to capture coral larvae to fix them and because of its pattern, is reminiscent of corals

The Blue Living Lab is supporting Jérémy Gobé and the Corail Artefact project to develop his innovative and solution-oriented project to save the coral.