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Artificial reef near Owase, Japan
A cube for coral
Though coral reefs often form impressive architectures on their own, this one had a little human help. It's built on a cube-shaped frame structure sunk off the coast of Owase, Japan, to provide extra surface area for coral growth and attract marine life. Not every such coral kickstarter has been beneficial for the ocean – since the ancient Romans and Persians first began creating artificial reefs, some have been built from questionable materials over the years, like car tyres. Implemented responsibly, though, these structures are important tools in marine conservation efforts worldwide.
A cube for coral
Though coral reefs often form impressive architectures on their own, this one had a little human help. It's built on a cube-shaped frame structure sunk off the coast of Owase, Japan, to provide extra surface area for coral growth and attract marine life. Not every such coral kickstarter has been beneficial for the ocean – since the ancient Romans and Persians first began creating artificial reefs, some have been built from questionable materials over the years, like car tyres. Implemented responsibly, though, these structures are important tools in marine conservation efforts worldwide.
Coral reefs are capable of amazing structures on their own, but this one had a little human help.
© LITTLE DINOSAUR / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :