ARTIFICIAL REEFS | coralreefs

Artificial Reefs. What are they?

An idea has emerged on the topic of protecting and helping the regrowth of coral reefs. This is the method of using artificial reefs. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and what do they do for the tropical ecosystem of natural corals?

Click on each image to learn more about artificial reefs:

What is it?	Artificial Reef Goals
Artificial Reef Goals	What Makes an Artificial Reef?
What Makes an Artificial Reef?

Advantages:

The deployment and construction of artificial reefs could create debris and pollute the ecosystem. With the deployment of such artificial structures in the ocean, it is only natural that some accidental damage to the existing environment will occur during the deployment procedure.

Heavy metals, often found in ships sunk for the sake of reef creation, contain toxic materials that can slowly creep into the environment and cause damage to the existing wildlife population. Even materials that have been thoroughly checked and cleaned may cause unforeseen problems when introduced into a delicate environment.

Natural coral reefs are sturdy and secure. Artificial reefs, if not designed properly, may not be quite as stable. If an artificial coral reef is not of sufficient weight, strong storms can carry the reef from its intended to location to where it may cause more harm than good, damaging existing natural reefs and destroying angler’s nets and other fixtures.

One major issue with artificial coral reefs is that they are not usually marked on a map. Fishing, shipping, and recreational vessels are all at risk of running aground on artificial reefs or ending up with catastrophic damage caused by a collision.

Disadvantages:

Attract smaller organisms which are vital sources of food for different marine species.

Baby corals (polyps) need a hard substrate on which to attach themselves and grow. Sinking materials into the ocean can encourage recruitment and coral growth by giving them more opportunities to settle

These reefs, if properly constructed and properly buoyed, can be used to enhance existing rough bottom habitat, develop quality fishing ground close to access areas.

They also serve as visual reference points for fish that forage away from the reef and increase the all over reef area which can host a larger number of reef fish.

Artificial reefs can take the pressure off of natural environments as fishermen and divers move their efforts elsewhere. Since many anglers, divers, and snorkelers also charter through local businesses, artificial reefs could provide a positive impact on local economy.

Over the course of months and years, the corals grow, attract fish, and create a new and healthy marine environment. Artificial reefs thus increase habitat which in turn can increase fishing and diving opportunities (along with the other benefits of reefs such as erosion control and nutrient balancing).