ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — An artificial reef system is being developed at Peace Beach using specially designed concrete structures intended to provide habitat for lobsters, octopuses and other marine life, Prime Minister Gaston Browne says.

Browne said the reef structures, commonly known as reef balls, had already been shipped and were expected to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda shortly.

The structures contain openings of different sizes designed to accommodate marine species and encourage the formation of an underwater ecosystem.

“The little holes that you see in there were designed scientifically to accommodate different types of sea life — lobsters, octopuses and so on,” Browne said during his weekly radio programme.

He said the project would create “a nice, beautiful artificial reef system” using private resources.

According to Browne, the Peace Beach initiative is modelled on a similar reef project established in Barbuda by businessman and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria.

The prime minister said work is also being undertaken to improve the surrounding land with palm trees, grass and other landscaping.

Although the property adjoining the waterfront is privately owned, Browne stressed that the beach itself remains public and will be available for residents and visitors to enjoy.

He also raised the possibility of constructing a seafood restaurant over the water, which could later be leased to an operator. No final decision, construction timetable or projected cost was announced.

Browne discussed the reef while explaining how dredged material from nearby operations was being used to create and improve land in the area instead of being transported and dumped at sea.

He said accepting the material had saved the government millions of dollars in potential disposal costs while supporting the development of the site.

The prime minister did not indicate whether the artificial reef project requires environmental approval or whether a marine assessment has been completed.

He also did not provide details about the number of reef structures to be installed, their precise placement or the timetable for completing the underwater work.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Artificial Reef Planned at Peace Beach to Support Marine Life.