Pre-study of the evaluation of ecological sessile succession and their relationship with bacteria on concrete artificial reef material

Abstract

Artificial reefs are human-made structures built for promoting marine life. Long-term monitoring and research regarding the use of artificial reefs in terms of ecological and economic perspective is essential. In this study, the ecological succession and their relationship with bacteria on concrete artificial reef material was investigated. Heybeliada artificial reef site was selected as sampling area. After three years period, the visual examination of ecological succession and sessile marine bacteria count were performed on the concrete artificial reef material. All the results showed that the strength of the artificial reef material is also affected by the biofilm layer and the creatures in the microecosystem. Therefore, monitoring studies should be carried out to determine the service life of artificial reef materials as well as to reveal the existence of the ecosystem formed and developing in these areas qualitatively and quantitatively.