The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to construct a “first of its kind” artificial reef aimed at protecting its coasts and increasing resiliency against future storms, officials announced on Jan. 11.
In a press release, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said its first ever artificial reef will be built via an initiative funded by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Approximately $763,784 in disaster funding awarded to the University of the Virgin Islands following 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria will support the design, construction, and installation of the artificial reef, which will measure 18 feet by 12 feet, officials said.
Coral reefs act as a buffer to protect coasts from natural hazards such as flooding. According to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Zone Management, coral reefs provide an annual flooding protection value of $1.805 billion nationally....
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