What will the effect be on marine life and /or costal erosion?
It is likely that marine life will thrive on the reef and there will be no damaging effects to beach. Bournemouth Borough Council is working closely with Bournemouth University and marine biologists at Bournemouth’s Oceanarium to monitor marine life. Experts predict the reef itself is likely to become a busy habitat over time, with marine creatures colonising its surfaces and taking shelter within it, developing into a haven for wildlife that would not otherwise exsist on a flat seabed. Although the reason for building the reef is for regeneration and leisure, expert opinion says that it may also help this costal defences. The delay in processing the licence for the surf reef was due to the Marine and Fisheries Agency extensive consultaion and research to ensure the reef would not have a negative impact on costal erosion. Is the surf reef for everyone? No, the reef will be 225 metres out to sea from the promenade, and so surfers will need to be physically fit and competent to even ride
