Scaphpro Artificial Reef Recherche océanographique

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Scaphpro Artificial Reef Recherche océanographique

Artificials reefs Groupe de suivie scientifique spécialisé en récif artificiel
Gestionnaire de site d'implantation de récif artificiels
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12/06/2026

Artificial Reef Program : The example of Singapore
Report .

Coral reefs have long held the wonder of marine biologists, diving enthusiasts and the like. Around the world, there is a concerted effort to replicate coral reefs in the hope that engineering and technology can play a complementary role in ecosystem conservation.

Singapore is also rising to the challenge. In 2018, JTC and National Parks Board (NParks), in partnership with local marine research and interest group communities, set out to create an artificial reef habitat at the 40-hectare Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. This project saw the construction of eight artificial reefs that would collectively contribute some 500m2 of additional reef area to the marine park. Occupying the entire water column from sub-surface to the seafloor, these structures are meant to stimulate reef development and recovery, double up as shelter for marine organisms as well as absorb wave energy.

JTC’s wealth of engineering expertise allowed it to contribute meaningfully to the project. “There are overlapping aspects between land and marine construction projects,” explains a key representative of the JTC team, Mr John Kiong.

It took the team about three years of preliminary studies and consultations before identifying Sisters’ Islands Marine Park as the ideal location for the artificial reef habitat. The gazetted region teems with rich marine biodiversity, from hawksbill turtles to anemonefish and kusu rock crabs.

The marine park stands at a pre-existing slope that is densely studded with healthy coral reefs. Adjacent to this slope is a flat and sandy seabed bare and free of anchorages. Additionally, it was not populated with any coral reefs or marine communities, so the submersion of any manmade structures would pose no disturbance.

“To explore the site’s geology, the team conducted underwater depth studies as well as soil investigations,” says Mr Kiong. “The results revealed that the seabed’s foundation was strong enough to withstand the weight of a massive structure. Hence, there was no need to perform marine piling. We also ran before-and-after hydraulic simulations and were pleased to find that the water flow remained unchanged with the submerging of the artificial reef.”

05/06/2026

The Crypto Shelter module was modified in 2026 and is now equipped with a base table to prevent burial.

Indeed, the initial scientific reports from tests conducted in 2025 revealed a vulnerability to burial due to excessive sedimentation following the November 2025 typhoon on Silago Island.

It was therefore decided to improve the design to prevent any further burial.

The tables support 8 modules of 25 kg each = 200 kg.

This technique is inspired by oyster farming practices in Arcachon, the hometown of the NGO Scaph Pro.

Ten days after the first immersions, scientific studies show progressive colonization by:

- Damselfish
- Trumpetfish
- Red Mullet
- Sweetlips

The program comprises 900 modules supported by 130 metal tables.

This program is part of Franco-Philippine cooperation and is co-financed by the French Development Agency and the NGO Scaph Pro.

Technical modifications concerning the stabilization of the tables may be made during the program.

31/05/2026

Xenia sp . On a Coco Bamboo module.
Artificial Reef Program. Operation Peace for Fish. 2024. Silago Southern Leyte. Pacific Coast. Philippines. PIC JFM - NGO Scaph Pro Marine Research. Philippines-France Cooperation.

22/05/2026

The new documentary on the marine biology survey at the Balagawan-Mercedes Marine Sanctuary in Silago, Southern Leyte, Philippines, is being conducted over three years by the NGO Scaph Pro Marine Research as part of the Philippines-France Cooperation.

The marine biology survey at the Balagawan-Mercedes Marine Sanctuary in Silago (Southern Leyte, Philippines) is a scientific monitoring mission carried out by the French NGO Scaph Pro Marine Research.

This work is primarily part of the "Peace for Fish" operation, an ecological restoration program aimed at revitalizing seabeds degraded by destructive fishing and typhoons.

Objectives and Nature of the Survey
The biological inventory carried out by the NGO aims to assess and monitor the state of local biodiversity:

Inventory of fauna and flora:

Identification of fish, invertebrate, and coral species colonizing the sanctuary.

Biomass Measurement: Assessment of population increases, particularly of commercially important species such as groupers and lobsters.

Scientific Monitoring: Use of rigorous protocols (sometimes inspired by the CNRS) to update biodiversity databases and guide local conservation policies.

Sanctuary and Project Details

Location: The sanctuary is located in the lagoon bordering the Balagawan and Mercedes barangays in Silago.

This mission is led by oceanographer Jean-François Marailhac and involves a multidisciplinary team of scientific divers, engineers, and underwater photographers. In 2022, Scaph Pro received first prize in the Franco-Philippine NGO competition organized by the French Embassy for its work in Silago.

14/05/2026

Artificial Reef Program. The example of Bali.
Report

The reef restoration project is located just off the coast, between the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, in a Marine Protected Area. This stunning spot, often visited by snorkelers and divers, is known for its exceptional natural beauty.

Between these two islands, world-class reef breaks roll over what were once vibrant, thriving coral reefs. The mission? To restore these reefs to their natural splendour and bring them back to life.

The marine life in this area is truly something to behold, from the graceful manta rays gliding overhead, to fish and turtles swimming through the crystal clear waters. As surfers, we may spend most of our time gliding over the top of the reefs, but there’s no denying the need to save this remarkable underwater world.

The Mossy Earth Indonesia Team, led by expert diver Yudi and Chansa, a marine biologist, run the Reef Restoration Project site. They have been doing incredible work to restore the reef after the destruction that the threats detailed above have wreaked on the environment. The once vibrant corals had been dying off in small groups known as ‘rubble areas’. Areas of dead or dying coral that end up being bleached and dying, leaving it devoid of colour or any living marine life. It is a sad sight to see, but it’s the reality that is being faced worldwide and especially in Indonesia. And that’s where the Mossy Earth Team comes in…

The scale of the reef restoration project is astounding, the team have been able to cover an area of 1,200 square metres and are already seeing incredible success and growth in the corals in that area on the newly installed structures.

Stabilise the substrate and encourage recolonisation of corals. The team plan to produce and install around 5,000 artificial reef restoration structures within rubble areas in 2024. Before the structures enter the water, they coat them in resin and sand to protect against erosion and promote coral attachment.

Create source populations of corals within the rubble areas, attach 12-15 transplanted coral fragments onto each restoration structure. The coral fragments are loose pieces of coral that have naturally dislodged from a substrate due to environmental conditions, such as currents or fish. The team collect a range of coral fragments to ensure a suitable level of species diversity within the area.

Reduce macro-algae locally to the reef structures and facilitate coral growth and establishment. The team regularly monitors the structures, not only to brush off any algae smothering the coral fragments, but also to visually inspect the health of the fragments as well as checking for calcium carbonate deposition.

These are the core goals of the project – but the team are not stopping there. They have been testing alternatives to plastic zip ties and working tirelessly to evolve methods that might not be working within the project. The passion and drive that Yudi and Chansa have for this project are inspiring, and here at Women + Waves we want to showcase this amazing work, share it with the world and get more people involved, not just to see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, but to share the feeling that there is still hope if we work hard enough to find it.

08/05/2026

Tryphyllozoon sp.
This Bryozoans appears in The Plerogyra 22 module modifies 23, in the first 6 months of colonization of the Plerogyra bamboo module. Artificial reef program. Operation Peace for fish 2024.
Silago Southern Leyte Philippines.
Pic JFM Scaph Pro Team. Philippines - France Cooperation .

01/05/2026

Operation Shelter 2026
Our Filipino workers on site

Operation Shelter is an artificial reef program that officially began on July 11, 2025.

The operation is taking place in the Barangay Sudmon Marine Sanctuary in Silago, South Leyte, Philippines (Region 8).

The operation will utilize a new third-generation module: the CRYPTO SHELTER 025.

Developed by Dominique Bordes-Sue, a French engineer specializing in artificial reefs and originally from the Arcachon Basin, this module, designed and developed by the NGO Scaph Pro, will be implemented by Scaph Pro in the Philippines. The operation will begin with the deployment of 900 modules over an area of 100 square meters.

This module is the result of extensive research on the habitat requirements of species needing shelter, such as grouper and spiny lobster, as well as many juvenile species.

This module is protected and registered with the SNRF. Its use is reserved for… Franco-Philippine Cooperation.

Cooperation - Philippines - France. AFD - NGO Scaph Pro

24/04/2026

Cenometra bella
On Pentahedron Module Bambou . Artificial reef Program .Operation Peace for Fish 2024 . Silago Southern Leyte . Philippines . France - Philippines Cooperation . Pic JFM NGO Scaph Pro Marine Research .

17/04/2026

Artificial reef. The example of Sri Lanka
Report

Sri Lanka actively uses artificial reefs to restore marine ecosystems, boost local fisheries, and create tourism dive sites. These projects range from submerged decommissioned transport vehicles to industrial breakwaters that have naturally developed into thriving marine habitats.

Sunken Buses and Vehicles and boat
To support coastal fishers and create spawning habitats, the government initiated projects utilizing heavy scrap materials.

Project Details: Decommissioned buses from the Sri Lanka Transport Board were stripped of toxic materials and submerged in waters off Trincomalee and the Jaffna Peninsula.

Ecological Impact: These structures quickly accumulate biomass, providing crucial breeding and nursery grounds for economically important fish.

Strategic Shield: In the north, these heavy structures serve a secondary purpose as physical barriers against illegal bottom trawling, which damages natural seafloors.

Artificial reefs in Sri Lanka, constructed from sunken decommissioned buses, boats, and concrete structures, are intentionally deployed to enhance marine biodiversity, boost fish populations, and support local fisheries. Key sites, such as the thriving ecosystem at Hambantota Port and locations near Nilwella, boast high, live coral coverage and support a diverse marine life.

Key Artificial Reef Projects in Sri Lanka:

Hambantota International Port:
A highly successful, semi-artificial reef developed on the port’s breakwater, where 35% of the structure is covered in live coral, harboring over 20 species of reef fish.

Southern Coastal Reefs:
Projects in the south use old vehicles and statues in shallow waters (3.5-8 meters) to serve as anchors for corals and create fish habitats.
Trincomalee: Decommissioned SLTB buses are used to create artificial reef habitats, enhancing marine biodiversity in the area.

Underwater Sculptures:
Similar to projects in Nilwella, these act as underwater galleries that quickly attract seaweed, turtles, and rays.

Key Objectives and Benefits:

Eco-Transformation:
The artificial structures serve as artificial homes for marine life, supporting hard/soft corals, sponges, and various reef-associated fish.

Supporting Fisheries:
Artificial reefs allow for sustainable fish breeding, which helps increase fish yields and supports local fisher livelihoods.
Eco-Tourism: These sites are growing attractions for scuba diving and snorkeling, offering career opportunities in coastal tourism.

These projects, often supported by the Sri Lankan Navy, UNDP, and local diving centers, act as vital sanctuaries, promoting the recovery of degraded natural reefs.

13/02/2026

Valona ventricosa (rear right), a bubble alga in the Crypto Shelter module, and cardinalfish (foreground), Ostorhinchus neotes or sp.

This alga is remarkably large, exceeding our previous observations in the area.
Operation Shelter 2025. Artificial Reef. Pic JFM - NGO Scaph Pro Marine Resa Philippines France Cooperation - Sudmon - Silago. Southern Leyte. Region 8. Philippines.

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