ExoRock Coastal Research and Development Project
➤ November 2022 - Autumn 2027 ➤ Newlyn, Cornwall ➤ Environment Agency ➤ SARCC ➤ KIER
Problem
The hard engineering methods that we use to defend our coastlines are functionally effective, but are slowly replacing the natural, complex habitats which once dominated our coastlines. This has resulted in an unprecedented loss of habitats for coastal species, being replaced with smooth surfaces which marine life struggles to grow on.
Solution
Exo Engineering continued our collaboration with the SARCC project in Newlyn by scaling up our ExoRock solutions. We were able to deploy 22 of our 5-tonne units for the Newlyn breakwater eco-block pilot in collaboration with the Environment Agency and several alternative coastal protection providers. Building upon the promising results of the previous deployment of our 75kg ExoRocks, we were able to test our solutions in a higher energy environment, and whether our Greening The Grey® surfaces textures would continue to appeal to marine life in this alternative environment.
Results
Following the monitoring of our units, the increased surface complexity has proved to be beneficial to marine life. Numerous coastal species have colonised the units since the deployment in 2022, including macro-algaes, molluscs and crustaceans. These types of Nature-Inclusive Designs highlight to potential for us to include nature within the design phase of our hard engineered solutions for coastal protection, without compromising their effectiveness.
