Supporting Artificial Reefs (AR)

Introduction

defines artificial reefs as `submerged structures placed on the seabed deliberately, to mimic some characteristics of natural reefs'.

Can't duplicate natural reef ecosystems

Can exceed Biological abiotic and biotic factors

Pollution and contaminating the ecosystems through materials and derby from broken AR

Using friendly disposal methods

Have on going maintenance to decrease

Economic costs of putting maintenance of AR and finding area to put the AR

Positive environmental impact with recovery of reef areas and having coral a stronger attachment to fight pollution

Allows research and educationally areas

Ecosystem rehabilitation

Counter Arguments

Environmental Impact

AR often can't fully replicate the complexity and biodiversity of natural reef ecosystems.

Fish pop., biomass, & diversity rebounded to levels like/exceeding untouched reef flats.

Pollution and Contamination

Materials in artificial reefs, like concrete or metals, may release pollutants, harming marine life.

Using old ships, oil rigs, or structures as reefs is a cost-effective, eco-friendly disposal method.

AR risking harm to the structures and marine environment.

AR have ongoing maintenance, Natural reefs can also be damaged by humans, storms, or other factors.

Economic Costs

Ongoing maintenance costs can burden local governments and communities

AR attract tourists, divers, and anglers, boosting the local economy through increased tourism revenue.

Installing AR can cause resource use conflicts, like fishing rights, and may restrict other area uses, including shipping lanes.

AR act as nurseries and feeding grounds, boosting fish populations and benefiting local fisheries, economically helping coastal communities.

My Arguments

Environmental Impact

We can deduce that the widespread implementation of AR has become increasingly vital in expediting the recovery of reefs.

Provides stronger attachments for corals

Research and Education

AR serve as educational tools for schools and research labs for marine scientists, promoting marine ecology research and conservation education."

Ecosystem Rehabilitation

AR have seen successful and robust coral recruitment in areas previously affected by significant coral mortality

These AR deter trawling creating new habitats for various plants and animals, and benefiting fisheries management.

Conclusion

Exposition

Rising action

Literature

Abelson, A. (2006). Artificial reefs vs coral transplantation as restoration tools for mitigating. coral reef deterioration: benefits, concerns, and proposed guidelines. Bulletin of Marine Science, Volume 78(Issue 1), 151-159(9). https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/2006/00000078/00000001/art00013#

Clark, S., Edwards, A. J. (1999). An evaluation of artificial reef structures as tools for marine habitat rehabilitation in the Maldives. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Volume 9(Issue 1), 5-21. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0755(199901/02)9:1<5::AID-AQC330>3.0.CO;2-U

Cited in CA - Environmental impacts and MA - Environmental impacts

Fadli, N., Campbell, S., Ferguson, K., & et al. (2012). The role of habitat creation in coral reef conservation: A case study from Aceh, Indonesia. Oryx, Volume 46(Issue 4), 501-507. doi:10.1017/S0030605312000142

Research and Education, Ecosystem Rehabilitation

Higgins, E. Mataxas, A., & Scheibling, E. R. (2022). A systematic review of artificial reefs as platforms for coral reef research and conservation. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261964

Ecosystem Rehabilitation

Kirkbride-Smith, E. A. (2014) The economic, social and conservation benefits of recreation-orientated artificial reefs. file:///C:/Users/Alogt/Downloads/content-hull_11669a%20(1).pdf

Research and Education, Ecosystem Rehabilitation

Layman, C. A., Allgeier, J. E. (2020). An ecosystem ecology perspective on artificial reef production. Journal of Applied Ecology, Volume 57(Issue 11), 2139-2148. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13748


Environmental impacts

Pickering, H., Whitmarsh, D., & Jensen, A. (1999). Artificial reefs as a tool to aid rehabilitation of coastal ecosystems: Investigating the potential. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 37(Issues 8–12), 505-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-326X(98)00121-0

Introduction, Ecosystem Rehabilitation

Raj, K.D., Mathews, G. & Edward, J.K.P. (2020). Long-term benefits of artificial reef modules for reef recovery in gulf of Mannar. Southeast India. J Coast Conserv 24, 53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-020-00773-5

Ecosystem Rehabilitation, MA - Environmental impacts

Sutton, G. S., Bushnell L. S. (2007). Socio-economic aspects of artificial reefs: Considerations for the great barrier reef marine park. Ocean & Coastal Management, Volume 50(Issue 10), 829-846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2007.01.003.

Pollution and Economics