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Can Artificial Reefs Reduce or Alter User Pressure on Adjacent Natural Reefs?

This paper explores the potential of artificial reefs to reduce user pressure on natural reefs. Preliminary findings suggest that strategically placed artificial reefs can alter user behavior, diverting activity away from natural reefs. Data from a study conducted before and after the deployment of artificial reefs reveal significant shifts in user patterns, with increased use of artificial reefs observed. Future analyses will focus on economic impacts and specific natural reef sites benefiting from reduced user pressure.

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Can Artificial Reefs Reduce or Alter User Pressure on Adjacent Natural Reefs?

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  1. Can Artificial Reefs Reduce or Alter User Pressure on Adjacent Natural Reefs? Thomas Maher, Marine Habitats, Inc. Dr. Vernon R. Leeworthy, NOAA Special Projects Office Ned Stone, NOAA Special Projects Office Presented at the 8th International Conference on Artificial Reefs and Artificial Habitats April 13, 2005 Biloxi, Mississippi USA

  2. Introduction • A potential new use for artificial reefs • Three study objectives • Preliminary results for the first objective

  3. Spiegel Grove

  4. Methodology Two databases collected for the pre- and post-deployment periods: Pre-deployment period from August 2001 through May 2002 (10 months) Post-deployment period from July 2002 through July 2003 (12 months)

  5. Methodology Types of data collected were: Dive charter log books On-water surveys of all users Total use from all sectors (divers, snorkelers, fishermen and non-consumptive users) extrapolated from on-water survey data

  6. Results • Importance of summer months • Overall increase of use • Decreased use on adjacent natural reefs • Increased use on adjacent artificial reefs

  7. Ten Month Pre-Deployment Use Levels(August 2001 to May 2002): SCUBA Divers OnlyReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural101,615 124,388139,895 (83%) Artificial22,176 25,74428,890 (17%)Total 123,791 150,132 168,785(89%)

  8. Ten Month Post-Deployment Use Levels(August 2002 to May 2003): SCUBA Divers OnlyReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural 93,088 106,218 122,060 (66%) Artificial 46,149 53,616 63,001 (34%)Total 139,237 159,834 185,061(86%)

  9. Ten Month Post-Deployment Use Levels (August 2002 to May 2003): SCUBA Divers OnlyReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural93,088 106,218122,060 (66%) Artificial46,149 53,61663,001 (34%)Spiegel 18,669 21,888 26,045 (14% Grove of all use)Total 139,237 159,834 185,061

  10. Comparison of Pre- and Post - Deployment Use LevelsSCUBA Divers Only - All SectorsType Pre- Post- ChangeNatural139,895 122,06017,835 (-13%) Artificial28,890 63,00134,111 (+118%)Spiegel N/A 26,045 26,045 Grove (14% of all use)Total 168,785 185,061 16,276 (+10%)

  11. Ten Month Pre-Deployment Use Levels (August 2001 to May 2002): All UsersReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural124,009 150,403274,290 (87%) Artificial26,651 30,63841,778 (13%)Total 150,660 181,041 316,068

  12. Ten Month Post-Deployment Use Levels (August 2002 to May 2003): All UsersReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural 110,066 125,328 236,753 (68%)Artificial 54,431 62,489 108,836 (32%)Total 164,497 187,817 345,589

  13. Ten Month Post-Deployment Use Levels (August 2002 to May 2003): All UsersReef Log Book Adjusted AllType Data Data SectorsNatural110,066 125,328236,753 (68%) Artificial54,431 62,489108,836 (32%)Spiegel 19,052 22,321 28,386 Grove (8% of all use)Total 164,497 187,817 345,589

  14. Comparison of Pre- and Post - Deployment Use LevelsAll Users - All SectorsType Pre- Post- ChangeNatural274,290 236,75337,537 (-14%) Artificial41,778 108,83667,058 (+160%)Spiegel N/A 28,386 28,386 Grove (8% of all use)Total 316,068 345,589 29,521 (+9%)

  15. Discussion • Preliminary results indicate that highly preferred artificial reefs such as large ships can alter user patterns and assist in reducing user pressure on natural reefs • We need to assess if the first year trend in altered user pressure has continued into the future

  16. Future Analyses • Additional analyses being undertaken: 1. Net economic impacts on the local economy 2. Location and magnitude of natural reef sites where user pressure was reduced

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