A new collaborative research project has offered new hope for seagrass restoration in Thailand with 3D-printed pods made from bioplastics.
The seagrass meadows around Koh Lidi islands are a nursery for shrimp, crab, and fish, while serving as the primary food source for Thailand’s declining dugong population.
Jointly conducted by Murdoch University and Walailak University (WU), the project aims to protect young seagrass transplants and increase their survival rates by designing and installing 3D-printed biodegradable pods.
Murdoch’s Professor Andrew Macrae said helping young plants survive long enough to establish roots is one of the biggest restoration challenges, as young shoots are often buried, washed away, or eaten before they can take hold.
“These biodegradable pods are designed to protect transplants from waves, sediment movement, and grazing animals during those critical early stages,” he said.
The pods, currently at the prototype stage ahead of full field trials, feature a protective dome-and-anchor design that allows roots to grow outwards while shielding the plants from crabs, fish, and turtles until they can fend for themselves.
Made from the bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), the dome will biodegrade once the plant is established. The material is produced through bacterial fermentation using locally sourced microbial strains in Western Australia.
“If successful, this technology could provide a scalable and environmentally friendly solution for restoring seagrass ecosystems across Southeast Asia and other coastal regions facing similar challenges,” added Professor Jennifer Verduin from Murdoch University, who will provide expert guidance and mentorship throughout the project.
The research is co-funded by the National Research Council of Thailand and Murdoch’s Bioplastics Innovation Hub, with support from CSIRO.
