Conservation and Energy with One Stone?

[Dorian Gray]

I had a thought (uh-oh, right?) about coral and energy. Surely we can derive energy from the constant motion of the ocean. And certain coral reefs need protection/conservation.

Would it be possible to put some type of device that converts the ebb and flow of the tides and ocean currents into energy right over or near a coral reef that needs protection, thus capitalizing on both? Or would the device itself contribute further to the decline of the reef, defeating that purpose, at least?

[Christian Klippel]

I had a thought (uh-oh, right?) about coral and energy. Surely we can derive energy from the constant motion of the ocean. And certain coral reefs need protection/conservation.

Would it be possible to put some type of device that converts the ebb and flow of the tides and ocean currents into energy right over or near a coral reef that needs protection, thus capitalizing on both? Or would the device itself contribute further to the decline of the reef, defeating that purpose, at least?

The "some type of device" already exist, see here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power).

They have some impact on certain things, like salinity, sediment movements, etc, as pointed out in the WP article. However, i have no clue about the the impact that would have on corals. Simply because i know next to nothing about the environment they need.

Greetings,

Chris

[casebro]

Oh, I figured from the subject line that you wanted to burn coral to get the energy that was stored via photosynthesis. Your by-product would be plaster or cement, but I think it is an endothermic reaction. Plus, coral are animals, no photosynthesis. So it won't work for two reasons.

[ellindsey]

Many species of coral rely on vigorous water movement to bring them nutrients and keep sediment and algae from smothering them. So no, surrounding coral reefs with wave-dampening machines will not benefit the coral reefs.