
Coral Sonic Resilience_A new home for corals
18.12.2024
Berlin-based artist Marco Barotti is using the power of sound in his latest project, Coral Sonic Resilience, to heal dying coral reefs. With underwater sculptures that emit the sounds of healthy corals, these reefs are infused with new life. Since Relaxound has embraced the theme of "The positive impact of sound", the company is supporting this international project where art and science come together to save endangered marine ecosystems.
The future of threatened coral reefs in the Maldives might begin in Berlin. Here, internationally renowned artist Marco Barotti is creating unique sound sculptures with elegant and minimalist designs to counteract the decline of coral reefs. His project harnesses the power of sound to breathe new life into these endangered habitats. Starting in December 2025, he will bring his vision to life on the small island of Feridhoo alongside a team of scientists. As ambassadors of positive sound effects, we are thrilled to support his work. "We’re doing this for the first time. No one has ever done anything like this before!", the artist proudly explains.
Project phase one: Recording the sounds of healthy coral reefs
The first step is to professionally record the sounds of healthy coral reefs. Marco Barotti traveled to Feridhoo to capture these sounds with Prof. Marco Patruno and Antonio Beggiato from the BCA Faculty of the University of Padua. British marine biologist Timothy Lamont, who pioneered the innovative approach of revitalizing endangered coral reefs through the sounds of healthy reefs, serves as a volunteer mentor for the project. Relaxound CEO Philipp Störring was also on-site. "I’m excited to work alongside Marco on Feridhoo. When you dive and see firsthand all the elements involved, you truly understand the scale of this undertaking. At the moment, this is the only project continuing Tim Lamont’s research", Philipp explains.
Project phase two: Test installation of the sound sculptures
To bring new life into the reefs, scientifically monitored comparative tests will be conducted in various locations. Barotti's sound sculptures will be submerged for months, during which coral growth and fish populations will be analyzed. "It’s like revitalizing a neighborhood", Marco explains. "What attracts new residents and why? The surface of the sculptures must provide enough stability for corals to attach, be appealing to fish, and withstand ocean currents. Additionally, the speakers need power, which we’ve solved using special solar buoys that are part of the artwork." A critical aspect is retrieving the solar buoys and speakers during storms to protect the delicate technology. "The equipment couldn’t withstand the force of a storm, so we always have to keep an eye on the weather. That’s why having someone permanently on-site is essential", Marco adds.
Project phase three: Documenting the impact on-site
A marine biologist will observe the development of life in the coral reefs following the test installations for six months. She will dive three times a week to inspect the sculptures, count the fish, and document coral settlement. "Initially, we considered using 360-degree cameras, but Tim convinced me that live dives and firsthand observations are more effective", Marco explains. "There are two groups of sculptures. The first group is equipped with two marine speakers per sculpture that emit the sounds of healthy reefs underwater. The second group serves as a control group without speakers. This way, we can measure the impact of the sounds. We ensure our sounds integrate as naturally as possible into the marine environment. After all, we don’t want to disrupt the reefs but encourage life to thrive there", he adds. Philipp comments: "In an unconventional way, Marco’s project is about creating a habitat with sound. Something we are also dedicated to in our work."
Project phase four: Permanent installation of the sound sculptures
Once the optimal design of the sound sculptures is finalized and all technical questions are resolved, new sculptures will be anchored to the seabed. "They will stay until the reef recovers! Art fosters new life. The speakers and buoys can then be reused at other locations. If our technology proves successful, we’ll share our knowledge and make it available to other partners." To raise awareness about Coral Sonic Resilience, a series of exhibitions will showcase the collaboration between art and science. Events in international cities are planned, and the project’s progress will be documented on social media, allowing everyone to follow its success in the Maldives.
In the next Relaxound Newsletter ,we’ll share updates on the Coral Sonic Resilience project. Follow the project on Instagram.