Reef makers

Raglan-based marine consultants and artificial reef designers ASR Ltd are profiled in surf publication Drift magazine. Drift’s George Mojo talks to ASR principal Dr Kerry Black about reef-building and creating “surfable waves” without environmental impact. “We use a geotextile, not concrete, and plants can easily take root on it,” Black explains. “There are only a few species that can grip smooth concrete and keep hold in the wave climate, but this material encourages more diversity. Because the positive effects have been documented, people are more accepting. And the responses from the beach have been positive too.” ASR Ltd designed the Bournemouth Reef in Boscombe, England, which opens for the surf season in October.