Artificial reefs created in the ocean, and the number of fish species increased fivefold
Two artificial reefs were created along the southwestern coast of Western Australia, after which the number of fish species that inhabited them grew approximately fivefold in three years, writes The Times of India.
The reefs were installed in January 2013 near the cities of Bunbury and Dunsborough. This was the first pilot project for the creation of artificial reefs in Western Australia. Its goal was to expand the habitat of important fish species and create new opportunities for recreational fishing.
For each reef, 30 concrete modules, called Fish Boxes, were used. Each module was about three meters long and weighed 10 tons. Its design was developed to create shelters for fish, promote water circulation, and form feeding grounds.
Before the structures were installed, about 12 fish species were recorded in these areas. Three years later, more than 60 species were already using the reefs, according to the organization Recfishwest.
The module design also promotes upwelling — a process where nutrient-rich water from the deep rises to the surface. This can support phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are the basis of food chains and provide food for larger fish.
The artificial reefs were placed relatively close to the shore. The Bunbury reef is at a depth of about 17 meters, and the reef near Dunsborough is approximately 27 meters, so recreational anglers can reach them in small boats.
After about six months, a significant portion of the concrete surfaces was covered with algae. Bottom-dwelling fish species, including dhufish, began to appear near the reefs. After just over a year, the structures began to be inhabited by coralline algae, sponges, bryozoans, and other marine organisms.
As an artificial reef is colonized by algae and invertebrates, it transforms from a simple concrete structure into a more complex underwater ecosystem. Marine organisms create additional food sources and shelters, which contributes to the appearance of an increasing number of species.
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