KR-20260067619-A - Eco-friendly artificial reef for fry habitat

Abstract

The present invention relates to an eco-friendly artificial reef for the habitat of fry, wherein the artificial reef is characterized by being formed by compression molding a mixture of natural shells, such as various oyster shells and clam shells, red clay, and a natural binder. According to the present invention, artificial reefs for the survival of fry are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner using natural shells produced through shellfish farming or washed ashore on the coast, thereby helping the survival of fry and preventing marine environmental pollution.

Inventors

• 최철윤

Assignees

• 최철윤

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20241106

Claims (2)

1. Regarding artificial reefs for fish fry habitat, The above artificial reef is an eco-friendly artificial reef for fry habitat, characterized by being formed by compression molding a mixture of natural seashells, red clay, and a natural binder.
2. In Article 1, The above artificial reef is an eco-friendly artificial reef for fry habitat, characterized by being formed by mixing 60 parts by weight of refined loess with shell powder such as oyster shells and clam shells and a natural binder, and then compression molding under high pressure.

Description

Eco-friendly artificial reef for fry habitat The present invention relates to an eco-friendly artificial reef for fish fry habitat, and more specifically, to an eco-friendly artificial reef for fish fry habitat made of an eco-friendly material that prevents marine pollution and protects young fish fry from large predators, thereby improving the survival rate of growth into adult fish. Recently, rising sea temperatures due to global warming and the massive influx of toxic waste into the oceans are significantly polluting all seas and even affecting genetic mutations in fish species. Furthermore, the large volume of muddy water generated during land reclamation projects pollutes the tidal flats, and the tetrapods used in breakwaters are made of concrete and cause bleaching upon contact with seawater, which hinders oxygen supply to coastal fishing grounds. This leads to the destruction of seaweed, kelp, and shellfish—food sources for various fish—as well as refuges for fish fry, causing a sharp decline in catch volume. Consequently, the number of fishing households engaged in coastal fisheries in Korea has decreased to one-fifth of what it was 20 years ago, and the catch volume, which reached 3.7 million tons two years ago, plummeted by 15% last year and is expected to fall short of even 3.15 million tons this year, resulting in a serious situation. Consequently, fisheries-related agencies are conducting fish fry release programs to revitalize the stagnant coastal fisheries; however, while the use of fishing gear made of chemicals such as concrete, which are harmful to the fry, is a problem, the rate of adult fish returning after growing is very low because juveniles, farmed in environments with appropriate water temperature, purified water quality, abundant food, and no natural predators, are released into suddenly polluted oceans without any measures or alternatives regarding rapid temperature changes, shelter, or food. Of course, recently, artificial reefs have been manufactured and installed on the seabed or underwater to protect and raise target aquatic organisms. These artificial reefs are structures that help young fish grow and survive safely, providing habitats for marine life and contributing to the revitalization of the ecosystem. In particular, these artificial reefs have various advantages, such as providing shelters where fry can hide from predators, serving as gathering places for micro-marine organisms to easily find food, and enhancing biodiversity by providing an environment where various types of organisms can live. The installation of such artificial reefs plays an important role in fisheries resource management and marine ecosystem protection, and many countries utilize these structures. Prior art regarding such artificial reefs includes "Environmental artificial reef using rubber concrete" in Registered Patent No. 10-0234567 (Reference 1) and "Dome-shaped artificial reef having a double reef frame" in Registered Utility Model No. 20-0430045 (Reference 2). However, conventional artificial reefs proposed in the aforementioned references 1 and 2 are made of materials such as concrete, rubber, and plastic, which not only have a negative adverse effect on the growth of fry but also cause environmental pollution and still have problems such as requiring a long time for natural decomposition. Meanwhile, although various shells such as oyster and clam shells contain calcium carbonate ( CaCO₃ ), protein, chitin, iron, manganese, and zinc, excessive accumulation of shells on the coast can reduce marine habitats and decrease biodiversity. Furthermore, the accumulated shells can damage the beach landscape and cause inconvenience to tourists and local residents due to foul odors. When shells decompose, they can breed marine pathogens and serve as habitats for pests. Additionally, the accumulation of shells can form physical barriers on the coast, obstructing seawater flow and accelerating coastal erosion. Consequently, despite the need for appropriate management and countermeasures to address this significant impact on the marine ecosystem and the health of local communities, there is currently no suitable solution available. A preferred embodiment of an eco-friendly artificial reef for fish fry habitat according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The eco-friendly artificial reef for fish fry habitat according to the present invention is a structure capable of preventing or blocking marine environmental pollution, manufactured in an eco-friendly manner using natural shells such as various oyster shells and clam shells produced through shellfish farming or washed ashore on the coast. The artificial reef of the present invention is completed by compressing and molding a mixture of natural shells, such as oyster shells and clam shells, red clay, and a natural binder using a mixer or the like, into the shape of an artificial reef, and t