ARTIFICIAL REEFS COULD HELP HABITAT CONNECTION
Designed artificial reefs are intended to provide food and refuge for marine fish, to enhance species diversity and abundance. Artificial reefs are not constructed from materials of opportunity (rubble, scuttled vessels), but rather built from steel or concrete to a design that incorporates vertical relief, void space and water movement. The design and structure of these artificial reefs are believed to enhance fisheries by providing food and refuge to fish communities in an area where the availability of suitable habitat is limited.
Australian researchers used acoustic telemetry to track the movements of 10 eastern fiddler rays (Trygonorrhina fasciata), 17 Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) and 18 bluespotted flathead (Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus) in relation to an artificial reef off the coast of Sydney. Fish tagged on the artificial reef showed a higher affinity to the site, compared to those tagged on natural reefs, Nevertheless, all three species moved frequently between the artificial and other nearby reefs, suggesting that artificial reefs may increase the connectivity between habitats. The moderate presence of these predators at the artificial reefs suggests that these species may contribute to some biomass production at this artificial reefs by incorporating this reef in their natural range. If the structure is well made, artificial reefs has the potential to enhance recreational fisheries and may alter the local distribution of predators and other species.
Reference (Open Access): Keller et al. 2017. Multispecies presence and connectivity around a designed artificial reef. Marine and Freshwater Research.