Influence of Levantine Artificial Reefs on the fish assemblage of the surrounding seabed

Edelist, Dor; Spanier, Ehud

doi:10.12681/mms.121

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…only loosely correlated with true habitat value conferred by dynamic functions and processes and (ii) fish are mobile and may be locally abundant only temporarily or present incidentally along migration routes (Simenstad & Cordell 2000). In addition, ecologists must consider that causing fish to aggregate around some shoreline features may increase competition or lead to resource depletion in surrounding areas (sensu Edelist & Spanier 2009). Ecologists can more directly assess habitat quality and fitness, including within restoration contexts, by examining capacity features that promote fish production (e.g.…”

Section: Reproductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Munsch

Cordell

Toft

2017

Journal of Applied Ecology

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Summary Nearshore ecosystems are increasingly recognized as critical habitats for fish of cultural, ecological and economic significance. These ecosystems are often densely inhabited by juvenile fish, highly productive and refuges from predation, leading ecologists to characterize them as nurseries. However, nearshore ecosystems are being transformed globally to support demands of growing coastal populations. Many shorelines are modified by armouring (e.g. seawalls, riprap) that minimizes erosion, and overwater structures (e.g. piers, docks) that facilitate waterfront use. These modifications affect the ecology of nearshore systems by restructuring, eliminating and shading shallow waters. Here, we review literature examining effects of armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fishes, and discuss how research and management can coordinate to minimize negative effects. Along armoured shorelines, fish assemblages differed from unarmoured sites, fish consumed less epibenthic and terrestrial prey, beach spawning was less successful and fish were larger. Under large overwater structures, visually oriented fish were less abundant and they fed less. Shade from overwater structures also interrupted localized movements of migratory fish. Thus, shoreline modifications impaired habitats by limiting feeding, reproduction, ontogenetic habitat shifts from shallow to deeper waters and connectivity. Research suggests that restoring shallow waters and substrate complexity, and minimizing shading underneath overwater structures, can rehabilitate habitats compromised by shoreline modifications. Synthesis and applications. Shoreline armouring and overwater structures often compromise fish habitats. These threats to nearshore fish habitats will become more severe as growing coastal populations and rising sea levels increase demands for shoreline infrastructure. Our ability to assess and rehabilitate nearshore fish habitats along modified shorelines will be enhanced by: focusing research attention on metrics that directly indicate fish habitat quality; implementing and evaluating shoreline features that repair compromised habitat functions within human‐use constraints; collating natural history knowledge of nearshore ecosystems; and embracing the socio‐ecological nature of habitat improvements by educating the public about conservation efforts and fostering appreciation of local nearshore ecosystems. Actions to reduce impacts of shoreline modifications on fish are particularly feasible when they align with societal goals, such as improving flood protection and providing spaces that facilitate recreation, education, and connections between people and nature.

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Section: Reproductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Munsch

Cordell

Toft

2017

Journal of Applied Ecology

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“…This usually happens where the artificial reefs are created with public funds in public waters, such as in most of Mediterranean countries, without effective restrictions on access by the different user groups (Milon, 1991), or where there is a lack of control to ensure that the restrictions are respected. Indeed, the grouper decline observed at an artificial reef deployed off Haifa (Mediterranean Israeli cost) was likely due to the uncontrolled activity of scuba divers and spear fishermen (Edelist and Spanier, 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Old car tires, assembled in different configurations, were employed for the construction of the first artificial reefs in 1980s (Figure 11.6), while the more recent ones mainly consisted of concrete structures or sunk vessels (Spanier, 2000;Edelist and Spanier, 2009). These reefs are under the responsibility of the Israeli Diving Federation (Spanier, 2000).…”

Section: Israelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing Articial Reefs for Fisheries Management: A 10-Year Assessment off the Northern Coast of Rio de Janeiro

2011

Artificial Reefs in Fisheries Management

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The Mediterranean Sea can be considered as typical in the use of artificial reefs for fish stock and fishery management. Artificial reefs have been used over 40 years in the Mediterranean, mostly to deter illegal trawling in coastal areas and other sensitive habitats, which generally include important spawning and nursery areas for many commercial species. Additionally, artificial reefs are used to reduce conflicts between different fishing activities, mainly illegal trawling and small-scale fisheries operating with set gears. The objectives of most artificial reef deployments in the Mediterranean are to enhance overexploited fish stocks and improve small-scale fisheries, one of the most important activities for the coastal communities. At present, artificial reefs have been constructed in ten Mediterranean bordering countries: Cyprus,

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“…ARs are assumed to cause aggregation of scattered specimens and secondary biomass production through increased survival and growth of juveniles [Edelist and Spanier, 2009]. The construction of the ASR modifies natural habitat (e.g.…”

Section: Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing protocols for assessing the performance of Artificial Surfing Reefs - a new breed of coastal engineering

Rendle

Esteves

2011

Littoral 2010 – Adapting to Global Change at the Coast: Leadership, Innovation, and Investment

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Artificial surfing reefs (ASRs) are a new breed of coastal engineering structures claimed to enhance local biodiversity, provide coastal protection and improve wave quality for surfing. By providing multiple functions, ASRs are often expected to contribute positively to the local economy, especially through tourism related to surfing and other water sports or beach uses. However, only few ASRs have been built worldwide and their performance is still debatable. At present, seven of these structures have been built worldwide, including one that has been uninstalled (California, USA) due to its poor performance and one that is unfinished due to increase in construction costs (Opunake, NZ). Unlike traditional coastal engineering structures (i.e. breakwaters and revetments), no regulations or protocols of good practice exist for the construction of ASRs. Due to the lack of independent studies and established monitoring protocols, relatively little is known about the impacts of ASRs on the coastal environment. Therefore, it is necessary to establish specific criteria to assess environmental and socio-economic impacts of ASRs, which can be used to objectively quantify their performance. Using the Boscombe reef as case study, this study suggests a set of criteria and methods that can form a protocol of good practice for the monitoring and performance assessment of ASRs. Implementation of protocols and regulations can provide information to support decision-making and inform stakeholders and end-users.

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Influence of Levantine Artificial Reefs on the fish assemblage of the surrounding seabed

Abstract: Four Artificial Reef (AR) units were deployed at a 20m depth on a flat hard substrate 3 km west of

Cited by 8 publications

References 40 publications

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Assessing Articial Reefs for Fisheries Management: A 10-Year Assessment off the Northern Coast of Rio de Janeiro

Developing protocols for assessing the performance of Artificial Surfing Reefs - a new breed of coastal engineering

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Influence of Levantine Artificial Reefs on the fish assemblage of the surrounding seabed

Abstract: Four Artificial Reef (AR) units were deployed at a 20m depth on a flat hard substrate 3 km west of

Cited by 8 publications

References 40 publications

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Effects of shoreline armouring and overwater structures on coastal and estuarine fish: opportunities for habitat improvement

Assessing Articial Reefs for Fisheries Management: A 10-Year Assessment off the Northern Coast of Rio de Janeiro

Developing protocols for assessing the performance of Artificial Surfing Reefs - a new breed of coastal engineering

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Assessing Articial Reefs for Fisheries Management: A 10-Year Assessment off the Northern Coast of Rio de Janeiro