Construction
 100 concrete blocks were provided by the DMCR in July 2006 to create a new artificial reef. The Adventure Club and volunteers of the Phi Phi Dive Camp have assembled the blocks into 3 large pyramids, in the hope of creating a new interesting dive site. Already after 1 year, the blocks are already covered in mollusks and bivalves, and have attracted over 50 species of fish as well as many other types of inverts. Located next to the coral nursery, the artificial reef site appears to be doing its job as it attracts divers wishing to learn a little more about it. Materials Needed 15 2’ Sand Screws 3 ft ½” stake 5lb hammer 120 meters ½” rope (depending depth of sand) 10 plastic forklift truck pallets 24 8” solid plastic mooring buoys 72 meters 14” rope 30 3”x ¼” Stainless Steel bolts (with nuts and washers) 112 meters 15 mm pvc pipe 112 90 degree pvc bends Plastic wire meshing Pvc adhesive Pre dive work We have set up two separate sets of pallets using 5 pallets in each set. In order to reduce the work needed underwater, it is easier to assemble the pallets on land and transport them to the dive site pre-assembled. Use the stainless steel bolts to attach the pallets together. Each pallet should have 3 bolts attaching it to the next pallet. Cut the ¼ ” rope into 1.5 meter lengths and burn the ends to avoid fraying. These will be used for attaching the buoys to the pallets once underwater. Estimate the lengths from the sand screws to the pallets and cut the ¼” rope and also burn the ends. These will be used to attach the pallets to the sand screws.  Underwater work The first stage for setting up the nursery is to install sand screws. It is recommended to map out the position of the nursery so that the sand screws are well and equally positioned. The sand screws should be located not directly under the nursery but two to three meters away from the edge of the pallets. Use the 3-foot stakes if necessary to break up any rocks or fossilised coral that may be located beneath the sand. The stakes will need to be hammered into the sand to do this. It is recommended to have three persons to work on each sand screw. It may necessary to have one of the persons banging on the head of the sand screw with the 5 lb hammer to help sink the sand screw. Depending on the substrate it may take up to one dive to sink only one sand screw. Sink the pallets to the bottom and attach the pallets using the ½” rope. The correct adjustment to get the right length will have to be corrected afterwards. Make the pallets buoyant by use of lift bags at each end. Attach the 8” buoys to the underside of the pallets at even intervals. Ensure that the buoys are installed as close to the edge of the pallets as possible. Adjust the length of the ½” rope to make the pallets as flat as possible. |