DARPA exploring new hybrid reef-mimicking structures research

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected three research teams to develop solutions for hybrid reef-mimicking structures research.

DARPA launched the Reefense program to target coastal flooding, erosion, and storm damage threatening civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) infrastructure and personnel.

Research executed by the Rutgers University team will focus on oyster reefs in the Gulf Coast; the University of Hawaii team will address coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii; and the University of Miami team will develop solutions for coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean would address the challenges.

“As part of this program, performers will employ recent innovations in materials science, hydrodynamic modeling, and adaptive biology to optimize these structures for responding to a changing environment,” Reefense program Manager Catherine Campbell said. “These protective structures aim to provide immediate protection, facilitate the growth of natural calcareous organisms, and enable rapid biological adaptation of the coral and oysters already present in the water to the new reef structure in a matter of months to years.”

DARPA noted program participants would engage with government stakeholders, including the Army Corps of Engineers and varied regulatory authorities while collaborating with ethical, legal, and societal implications experts.