Artificial Reefs (Draft #2)

This topic submitted by Chad Peters ( petersc1@muohio.edu) at 10:22 PM on 6/6/06.

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Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University

I would like to use my paper to discuss artificial (man made) coral reefs. The discussion will include how these structures are made, how and why they are supposed to work, and how effective a conservation tool they really are.

I hope to inform the class on this particular form of conservation. It has been my experience that when attempting to manage or restore an ecosystem the more one interferes with what is natural the more difficult it becomes (I have never myself participated in such a project however I have had to right several reports on such activities). It is important to know if artificial reefs really can help supplement the existing reefs. It seems to me that it is a difficult and expensive way to solve the problem of reef loss, however, every little bit helps.

I. Intro.
II. What is an artificial reefs?
-definition
-what makes them different from a natural reef
III. Why are they being made?
-basic information on reef decline
-benifits of artificial reef creation
-reduced pressure on fisheries
-reef restoration
IV. How are they made?
-what materials are used
-construction methods
-structure and design of reefs
V. Where are artificial reefs being made?
-where in the world
-what is an ideal site
VI. Future out look
-Changing technologies
-is a viable restoration method
-past successes and failures
VII. Conclusion

References

"Artificial Reefs." Florida Oceanographic Online. 2004. Florida Oceanographic Society. 28 Mar. 2006 .

"Artificial Reef." Web Current. 2002. Web Currents. 28 Mar. 2006 .

"A Solution for Corals in Peril." Global Coral Reef Alliance. 25 Sept. 2005. Global Coral Reef Alliance. 28 Mar. 2006 .

Bell, Mel. "Marine Artificial Reefs." Sea Science. Marine Recreational Fisheries Stamp. 28 Mar. 2006 .

Davidson, Margaret A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Silver Spring, Maryland: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2002. 1-61.

Hilbertz, Wolf, and Thomas Goreau. "Third Generation Artificial Reefs." Third Generation Artificial Reefs. Oct. 1997. Global Coral Reef Alliance. 28 Mar. 2006 .

Jordan, Lance K., David S. Gilliam, Robin L. Sherman, and Richard E. Spieler. Patch Reef Isolation Affects Fish Assemblage Structure - a Study Using Replicate Reef Modules. National Coral Reef Institute. Dania Beach, FL. 28 Mar. 2006 .

Perkol-Finkel, S, N Shashar, and Y Benayahu. "Can Artificial Reefs Mimic Natural." Science Direct (2005): 1-15. 5 June 2006 .

Perkol-Finkel, S, and Y Benayahu. "Recruitment of Benthic Organisms Onto A." Marine Environmental Research (2004): 1-21.

Rilov, G, and Y Benayahu. "Fish Assemblage on Natural Versus Vertical Arti–ial Reefs:." Marine Biology 136 (1999): 1-12.

Seaman, Jr., William. Artificial Reef Evaluation with Application to Natural Marine Habitiats. New York: CRC P, 2000.

Walker, Brian K., Bruce Henderson, Brian D. Ettinger, Paul T. Arena, Lance K. Jordan, David S. Gilliam, and Richard Spieler. Biological Assessment of Artificial Reef Materials: Concrete Aggregates and Quarry Stone. National Coral Reef Institute. Miami Beach, FL. 28 Mar. 2006 .

Walker, Brian K., Bruce Henderson, and Richard E. Spieler. "Fish Assemblages Associated with Artificial Reefs of Concrete Aggregates." Aquatic Living Resources (2002): 1-11. 5 June 2006 .

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