New push "to protect and create marine habitats"

Sunday 08 August 2021

Several people from across the diving, surfing and fishing communities have come together to create and promote the Guernsey Reef Ball Foundation in response to deteriorating marine habitats.

The group hopes for support from both the public and the States of Guernsey as they seek to implement reef balls around the island's coastline.

A reef ball is a made of concrete and replicates a reef outcrop, providing a habitat for fish, crustaceans, and algae.

“They have a proven track record, and are in place in more than 76 countries,” said Josh Sexton, a surfer pushing for the initiative to take off.

Pictured: Mr Sexton took to Facebook to ask for support for the initiative.

“This would be something you would put in place to protect our marine habitat and increase it,” he said.

The moulds for reef balls are made in the USA, and once bought, can be used to make as many as needed. The final product is made of a 'ph' neutral concrete.

“Once we get the all clear, someone would be sent over to Guernsey to train whoever would be using the moulds,” said Mr Sexton.

Pictured: The balls can also be used to reduce coastal erosion.

Mr Sexton hopes the States will support the initiative.

“We need the SOG to allow us to do it, to be open to a discussion about where we could put them – we can’t just go ahead and do it,” he said.