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Project Oasis: Artificial Reef

Anthropology + Science  = Applied Anthropology  → Community Engagement & Environmental Activism

Project Oasis aims to restore the deteriorating marine ecosystem of Jeju Island, South Korea, by deploying novel 3D-printed artificial reefs. Whitening events pervade Jeju’s coasts, in which the accumulation of calcium carbonate on rocks hinders brown algae growth, damaging the population of sea animals like abalone, which sustain the livelihood of the island’s iconic Haenyeo, an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Incorporating aquaculture techniques in design and deployment methods, the proposed model cultivates seaweed and shellfish simultaneously, artificially creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. Unlike traditional concrete reefs, which exacerbate whitening, the model avoids harmful limestone leaching and withstands strong currents. In the summer of 2025, the 3D-printed, biodegradable artificial reef was deployed off the coast of Jungmun Fishing Village, which has been monitored by the local Haenyeo. The reef’s produce will supplement their harvest, and its easy accessibility will improve their safety at work.

WHY?

When the seaweed disappears, the Haenyeo communities disappear too.

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RESEARCH

 

PITCH


Collaboration with Indigenous experts

DEPLOY

Collaboration with

a Jeju Haenyeo

© 2025 Remy W. Lee. All rights reserved.
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