Acknowledging the benefits of reefs on World Reef Awareness Day

Today is World Reef Awareness Day.

The word ‘reef’ is derived from the Norse language and loosely translates to ‘rib,’ which is appropriate because reefs help protect our marine ecosystem much like ribs protect the lungs and heart.

An important job of a reef is to make sure the entire ecosystem is working. They serve as a home to our marine life, so if you’re out fishing and see a red fish, chances are there are reefs close by.

IMMS Director Moby Solangi says the reefs also protect our coastlines from storms and erosion.

Artificial reefs help by offering a place for oysters to grow and the ecosystem as well as local business and tourism. “We have our challenges. We have our challenges from the riverine discharges and all that. By creating these reefs, we are really enhancing not only our ecosystem, but our tourism and our economy.”

The state of Mississippi and DMR are committed to creating artificial reefs to improve the Gulf Coast marine life.

Once they are put in place, the marine life comes to play and it creates mini ecosystems.