Monitoring Fish Populations on the 3D Reefs
Research and Development
The second 2025 campaign to survey the fish living in and around the 3D reefs has just been completed. As a reminder, these artificial habitats were created using large-scale 3D printers, allowing the use of eco-friendly materials to design complex shapes that closely replicate natural habitats.
Since their deployment in 2017, they have been monitored by AMPN in collaboration with Thalassa Marine Research and Aquanaute Expertise. Following rigorous scientific protocols, the divers identify, count, and measure the different species present to assess the effectiveness of the reefs.
Between 2017 and 2024, the data showed a steady increase in fish colonization: 36 species were recorded, with over 1,000 individuals able to coexist on a single reef. We hope that the 2025 results will confirm the success of these structures as refuges for biodiversity.
This program is supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Photo credit: Stéphane Jamme - Aquanaute Expertise.