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Algal Turf Scrubbers (ATS) are designed to remediate polluted waters where wastewater and agricultural runoff have caused eutrophication and the non-point source of excess nutrients cannot be determined. These ATS systems improve water quality by encouraging algal growth on flow-way surfaces rather than forming harmful blooms in open waters. Excessive nutrients from the water accumulate in the flow-way’s lawn of algae, and unless the algal biomass is repurposed, it is discarded in landfills as waste. In this article, we outline a simple methodology to utilize waste algal biomass as a novel source of clay. Raw algal waste contains minerals which can be used as a sustainable and more environmentally-friendly alternative to industrially-mined clays. When algae-based clay sculptures are kiln fired, they resemble terracotta brick in their color, durability, and porosity. In addition to the aesthetic and artistic potential of algae-based clay, this medium provides an excellent opportunity for educators to engage students with hands-on crafting activities while learning about eutrophication and environmental restoration of aquatic habitats.

Artificial reefs are man-made structures submerged in the ocean, and the design of these structures plays a crucial role in determining their effectiveness. Precisely measuring the configuration of artificial reefs is vital for creating suitable habitats for marine organisms. This study presents a novel approach for automated detection of artificial reefs by recognizing their key features and key points. Two enhanced models, namely, YOLOv8n-PoseRFSA and YOLOv8n-PoseMSA, are introduced based on the YOLOv8n-Pose architecture. The YOLOv8n-PoseRFSA model exhibits a 2.3% increase in accuracy in pinpointing target key points compared to the baseline YOLOv8n-Pose model, showcasing notable enhancements in recall rate, mean average precision (mAP), and other evaluation metrics. In response to the demand for swift identification in mobile fishing scenarios, a YOLOv8n-PoseMSA model is proposed, leveraging MobileNetV3 to replace the backbone network structure. This model reduces the computational burden to 33% of the original model while preserving recognition accuracy and minimizing the accuracy drop. The methodology outlined in this research enables real-time monitoring of artificial reef deployments, allowing for the precise quantification of their structural characteristics, thereby significantly enhancing monitoring efficiency and convenience. By better assessing the layout of artificial reefs and their ecological impact, this approach offers valuable data support for the future planning and implementation of reef projects.

The ecological succession has been widely studied by means of biofouling assemblages among different substrates, and mainly targeted in early stages on artificial ones. The present study focuses on biofouling that colonizes carbonated structures, a material similar to the natural substrate produced by the electrolysis of seawater, which is relatively very little studied. We have observed the colonization of sessile macrofouling of the port of Alicante (SE Spain, Western Mediterranean) on two types of substrates (electrolytic carbonated and steel) over 12 months of succession. The assemblages of both substrates have been analyzed by means of diversity indexes and multivariate analysis (PERMANOVA and SIMPER) in order to see the differences over time. The carbonated substrate has presented a community with higher values of biological diversity, structure and complexity, although the differences in species composition between substrates are not evident during all immersion periods. Thus, these results seem to indicate that, even after 12 months of immersion, communities are still in a dynamic successional stage.

Suitable colonization materials are a pursued target in marine restoration programs. Known for making nutrients available while reducing pollutants and the risk of pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems, Biochar and Bioferment materials of organic origin were tested during a two-year experiment. We tested the efficacy of these materials for restoration purposes through experimental concrete tiles treated with Biochar (B) and Bioferment (F) and tiles made of concrete, which were used as controls (Ct) for the colonization of marine organisms in the marine protected area of Porto Cesareo, Southern Italy (20 m depth). Tiles were monitored for photographs from October 2019 to September 2021. Initially, Biochar treatment presented a higher percentage of total benthic cover (81.23 ± 2.76, median ± SE), differing from Bioferment treatment and control tiles (45.65 ± 5.43 and 47.95 ± 3.69, respectively). Significant interaction between treatments and times suggests changes in community structure related to Polychaeta cover increase in Bioferment and control materials from the second monitoring time. Furthermore, the underwater instability of Bioferment on the tiles could explain the similarity with control tiles in marine organisms’ covers. Hence, Biochar is shown to be a material with optimal stability in seawater, demonstrating greater capacity for marine organisms’ colonization in less time compared to the other two materials.

Global degradation of coral reefs is reflected in the destruction of shelters in various environments and threatens the stability of marine ecosystems. Artificial shelters offer an alternative, but their design could be more challenging due to limited knowledge regarding desired inhabitants’ shelter characteristics and preferences. Investigating these preferences is resource-intensive, particularly regarding small shelters that mimic natural reef conditions. Furthermore, for statistical analysis in small shelters, fish abundance may need to be higher. We propose a method to characterize the species-specific shelter preferences using low-volume data. During a study conducted from January 2021 to April 2022, round clay artificial shelters (RAS) were deployed on an abandoned oil pier to examine a coral reef fish community. We recorded 92 species from 30 families and grouped them into systematic (families) and functional (dietary group) classes. Grouping enabled us to examine each group’s preference, while crossing these group preferences revealed species-specific preferences, which matched field observations. This approach proved effective in profiling the shelter preferences of 17 species while having limited resources. These profiles may later allow the establishment of ecological-oriented artificial reefs. Moreover, this method can be applied to other applications using other shelter designs, sizes, and research sites.

"Blue Granary" strategy is of great significance to ensure China′s food security. By summarizing and analyzing the hotspots and frontiers of the "Blue Granary" strategy, it has strong practical significance for the subsequent deepening of its research content. Based on the CNKI database, this paper made a statistical analysis of the relevant literature on "blue granary" strategy by using CiteSpace from 1992 to 2020. Chinese Fisheries Economics, Journal of Ocean University of China and China Fisheries are the main journals in this field. Shanghai Ocean University, Ocean University of China and China Academy of Fishery Sciences are the main publishing institutions. The cooperation among authors was also scattered, mainly in the same region or the same institution. At present, the main research hotspots are spatial distribution, community structure, biodiversity, dominant species, marine carrying capacity, land and sea coordination, etc. This paper summarized the important frontiers of the future research of the "Blue Granary" strategy as dominant species, artificial reefs, marine ranching, resource assessment and other related topics.

Artificial Patch Reef (APR) have been applied as a new method for Biodiversity Conservation Program at Panjang Island, Jepara since 2015. Previous study suggested that design and location of artificial reefs installation affected to abundance of reef fishes, associated with the artificial reef. This study aims to investigated community structure of reef fishes associated to artificial patch reef comparing to reef fishes in nearby natural reefs. Assessment of coral reef condition on two habitats were conducted on July 2019, after 4 years deployment. The results show that artificial patch reefs with a percentage of live coral cover are less than half of natural coral reefs, and have succeeded in increasing the abundance of reef fish with nearly the same density and community structure resembling reef fish in natural coral reefs. The similarity in community structure of the two habitats is probably due to the similarity in habitat type and morphology of the hard corals. The results indicate that Artificial Patch Reef (APR) reefs have increased the coral cover of Acropora branching and resulted in increased reef fish abundance which is compatible with reef fish communities associated with natural coral reefs around it. Aplikasi metode baru terumbu buatan Artificial patch Reef (APR) pada Program Konservasi Bioiversitas Pulau Panjang, Jepara telah dilakukan sejak 2015. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa pemilihan desain dan lokasi pemasangan terumbu buatan yang tepat akan meningkatkan kelimpahan ikan karang. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keberhasilan penerapan terumbu buatan APR melalui kelimpahan ikan karang yang berasosiasi pada terumbu buatan dan terumbu karang alami di sekitarnya. Penilaian kondisi terumbu karang tersebut telah dilakukan pada Juli 2019 setelah 4 (empat) tahun pemasangan terumbu buatan. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa terumbu buatan dengan persentase tutupan karang hidup lebih kecil, separuhnya dari tutupan pada terumbu karang alami telah berhasil meningkatkan kelimpahan ikan karang dengan densitas hampir sama dan struktur komunitasnya menyerupai ikan karang yang berasosiasi dengan terumbu karang alami. Kesamaan struktur komunitas kedua habitat kemungkinan akibat kesamaan tipe habitat dan morfologi karang keras penyusunya. Hasil ini mengindikasikan bahwa terumbu buatan Artificial patch Reef (APR) telah meningkatkan tutupan karang bercabang Acropora dan berakibat terhadap meningkatnya kelimpahan ikan karang yang sesuai dengan komunitas ikan karang yang berasosiasi dengan terumbu karang alami di sekitarnya.

The presence of microplastics has been reported in most marine environments. Their accumulation can affect the marine ecosystem, and their consumption by small organisms of various sizes can indirectly affect human beings who consume them. Recent observations have reported the pathways and fates of microplastics surrounding man-made coastal structures, such as artificial reefs. However, basic research elucidating the physical behavior near the structure is scarce. We implemented a two-dimensional numerical wave flume simulating intermediate waves with a weak current in a coastal area to investigate the behaviors of microplastics corresponding to parameters such as particle size (0.2, 1, and 5 mm), particle density (900, 1000, and 1100 kg/m3), and submerged artificial structure. The results showed that smaller particles had a stronger horizontal dispersion but a weaker horizontal advection. Installing a submerged structure increased the flow rate above the structure. It also increased particle accumulation upstream and downstream near the edge and corner of the structure. The accumulation was significantly affected by the installation of the structure when the resuspension of microplastics occurred intermittently. This work elucidates the mechanisms underlying the distribution, accumulation, and dispersion of microplastics that are important in predicting the fate of microplastics in the vicinity of artificial structures.

Since the 1970s, artificial reef (AR) deployment has been one of the common approaches to augment the local production of coastal fish in Malaysia. However, there is a lack of strategy to assess and evaluate the success of pre-deployed AR. Realizing the need for an effective qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation of AR, this study proposes side-scan sonar coupled with scuba diving observation for the enhanced monitoring of pre-deployed Bioceramic Korean (BK) AR along the coast of Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. This method employs an integrated side-scan sonar with a data acquisition system for the detection of the precise location of the BK AR which were deployed at Tukun Telaga Batin off the Terengganu coastline in 2003 by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (FDAM). Following the determination of the exact location of three BK AR areas, a scuba diving team was sent to survey the physical conditions of the AR and assess the feasibility of the AR as an artificial habitat for marine life. The scan sonar images were compared with the captured photographs and videos acquired during the scuba diving session for a comprehensive value-added assessment. The collected data from the scuba diving session were also processed to measure the fish diversity, the fish biomass, and identify the fish community surrounding the AR. Based on the results, the BK AR remained in extremely good condition, physically intact, without significant breakage or damage, and with no major subsidence into the sediment after 19 years of deployment. A total of 108 BK AR modules were detected in three large groups using the mosaicked sonar images. Following cross-examination to validate the AR measurements using the AR’s shadows on the seafloor, the height of the BK AR consistently ranged from 1.7 m to 1.8 m. In addition, 34 species of fish from 14 families and 26 genera were identified, with most species classified as reef-associated (RA) fish with a biomass value of 1173.31 ± 1136.69 kg m−3, indicating the successfulness of the BK AR as fish-aggregating devices (FADs). The growth of hard corals on top of the bioceramic plate of the AR module further supported the diversified community of marine life surrounding the BK AR. In conclusion, the side-scan sonar coupled with scuba diving observation demonstrates an effective qualitative and quantitative technique for the monitoring and evaluation of pre-deployed AR. This strategy is recommended to be utilized to determine the success of pre-deployment AR.

The current development of citizen science is an opportunity for marine biodiversity surveys to use recreational SCUBA diver data. In France, the DORIS project is extensively used for marine species identification, while many initiatives offer volunteer divers the means to record their observations. Thanks to the scientific synergy generated by the flagship project of the artificial reefs (ARs) of Prado Bay, located off the coast of Marseille (France), a multi-annual biodiversity survey was performed by a team of recreational divers certified by the French Federation for Submarine Sports and Education (FFESSM). The analysis of their observations with other citizen science data showed a good taxonomic coverage for fishes and mollusks. These observations also allowed (1) to follow AR colonization over the study period, with the increasing number of taxa and the growing occurrence of large fishes, and (2) to characterize taxa distribution between the different AR types, revealing the inefficiency of one type of AR which failed to provide the results expected from its design. This example demonstrates that the transition from species identification to ecologically relevant observation is perfectly feasible using volunteer naturalist SCUBA divers, on condition that both the protocols and the data are validated by professional scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a green material for artificial reefs to be placed in Galicia (northwest Spain) taking into account the principles of circular economy and sustainability of the ecosystem. New concrete formulations for marine applications, based on cement and/or sand replacement by mussel shells, are analyzed in terms of resistance to abrasion. The interest lies in the importance of the canning industry of Galicia, which generates important quantities of shell residues with negative environmental consequences. Currently, the tests to determine the abrasion erosion resistance of concrete on hydraulic structures involve large and complex devices. According to this, an experimental test has been proposed to estimate and compare the wear resistance of these concretes and, consequently, to analyze the environmental performance of these structures. First, a numerical analysis validated with experimental data was conducted to design the test. Subsequently, experimental tests were performed using a slurry tank in which samples with conventional cement and sand were partially replaced by mussel shell. The abrasive erosion effect of concrete components was analyzed by monitoring the mass loss. It shows an asymptotic trend with respect to time that has been modeled by Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and nonlinear regression models. The results were compared to concrete containing only conventional cement and sand. Replacing sand and/or cement by different proportions of mussel shells has not significantly reduced the resistance of concrete against erosive degradation, except for the case where a high amount of sand (20 wt.%) is replaced. Its resistance against the erosive abrasion is increased, losing between 0.1072 and 0.0310 wt.% lower than common concrete. In all the remaining cases (replacements of the 5–10 wt.% of sand and cement), the effect of mussel replacement on erosive degradation is not significant. These results encourage the use of mussel shells in the composition of concrete, taking into account that we obtain the same degradation properties, even more so considering an important residue in the canning industry (and part of the seabed) that can be valorized.

Coastal areas accommodate a great part of large metropolises as they support a great amount of economic and leisure activities. The attraction of people to coastal zones is contributing to an intense and continuous urbanization of these areas, while the ecosystems are threatened by the increase of natural extreme weather events (e.g. intensity and duration of storms, floods), which interfere with local wave climate and changes in morphological beach characteristics. Protection of coastal zones predisposed to coastline recession, due to the action of high tides, high sediment transport deficit, and high wave energy, may involve various coastal structures to reduce or at least to mitigate coastal erosion problems. Many of the current coastal protections (notably groins, seawalls, and emerged breakwaters) were built with a single purpose, which was to protect at all costs without environmental or economic concerns, especially maintenance costs, or the negative consequences that such structures could cause up to considerable distances along the coast. The current concept of integrated coastal zone management presupposes studies involving other types of concerns and more actors in the decision-making process for the implementation of coastal works. In this context, multifunctional structures emerge and are increasingly frequent, such as the so-called multifunctional artificial reefs (MFARs), with the aim of improving leisure, fishing, diving, and other sporting activities, in addition to coastal protection. MFARs are in fact one of the latest concepts for coastal protection. Behind the search for more efficient and sustainable strategies to deal with coastal retreat, this study focused on a comparison between the performance of two traditional coastal protection solutions (submerged detached breakwater and emerged detached breakwater) and an MFAR on a particular coastal stretch. In order to analyse the hydro- (wave height and wave energy dissipation) and morphodynamics (sediment accumulation and erosion areas, and bed level) of the structures and beach interactions, two numerical models were used: SWAN (Simulation WAves Nearshore) for hydrodynamics and XBeach for hydrodynamics and morphodynamics. In addition, a comparison between SWAN and XBeach hydrodynamic results was also performed. From the simulations conducted by SWAN and XBeach, it can be concluded that amongst all structures, the emerged detached breakwater was the most efficient in reducing significant wave heights at a larger scale due to the fact that it constituted a higher obstacle to the incoming waves, and that, regarding both submerged structures (detached breakwater and the MFAR), the MFAR presented a more substantial shadow zone. Regarding morphodynamics, the obtained results presented favourable tendencies to sediment accretion near the shoreline, as well as at the inward areas for the three structures, especially for the emerged detached breakwater and for the MFAR in both wave directions. However, for the west wave direction, along the shoreline, substantial erosion was observed for both structures with more noticeable values for the emerged detached breakwater. For all the northwest wave direction scenarios, no noticeable erosion areas were visible along the shoreline. Overall, considering the balance of erosion and accretion rates, it can be concluded that for both wave predominance, the submerged detached breakwater and the MFAR presented better solutions regarding morphodynamics. The MFAR storm wave condition performed in XBeach indicated substantial erosion areas located around the structure, which added substantial changes in the bed level.

The macrofauna assemblages of a XVIIth century shipwreck off southern Portugal were studied and compared with those of nearby natural reefs and sandy bottoms, by underwater visual census. A total of 11 173 specimens of 224 different fauna taxa and 12 phyla were recorded. Natural reefs had the highest density of specimens (35 122 / 1000 m²) followed by the shipwreck (21 392 / 1000 m²) and the sandy bottoms (3771 / 1000 m²). Three biodiversity indices were estimated (Margalef, Shannon-Wiener and Pielou), with the natural reefs showing the highest values. However, the shipwreck presented values relatively similar to those of the natural reefs for the Shannon-Wiener and Pielou indices. The three habitats were clearly distinguishable by multivariate statistical analysis, with the average dissimilarity between sand and shipwreck, and between sand and natural reefs being much higher than that between the shipwreck and the natural reefs. The shipwreck had higher abundances of some commercially important species, such as the pouting Trisopterus luscus, European conger Conger conger, and common spider crab Maja squinado, as well as some vulnerable and threatened species such as the pink seafan Eunicella verrucosa. The results presented emphasize the importance of this habitat on the southern Portuguese coast.As comunidades de macrofauna de um naufrágio do século XVII ocorrido ao largo da costa Sul de Portugal, foram estudadas e comparadas com recifes naturais e fundos de areia através de census visuais subaquáticos. Foram registados 11 173 espécimes pertencentes a 224 taxa faunísticos e 12 phyla. Os recifes naturais apresentaram a maior densidade de espécimes (35 122 / 1000 m²) seguidos do naufrágio (21 392 / 1000 m²) e dos fundos de areia (3771 / 1000 m²). Foram calculados três índices de biodiversidade (Margalef, Shannon-Wiener e Pielou), com os recifes naturais que apresentarem os valores mais elevados. No entanto, o naufrágio mostrou valores relativamente semelhantes aos fundos rochosos nos índices de Shannon-Wiener e Pielou. Os três habitats foram separados por estatística multivariada, com a dissimilaridade média entre areia e naufrágio, e entre areia e recifes naturais sendo muito superior à dissimilaridade entre os recifes naturais e o naufrágio. O naufrágio apresentou elevada abundância de algumas espécies comercialmente importantes, como a faneca Trisopterus luscus, o safio Conger conger e a santola Maja squinado, assim como de espécies vulneráveis e ameaçadas como a gorgonia rosa Eunicella verrucosa. Os resultados apresentados realçam a importância desse habitat para a costa Sul de Portugal.

Artificial reefs were deployed within the Golfe-Juan marine protected area (Alpes-Maritimes coast, France, Northwestern Mediterranean) created in 1981. This no-take area is fully protected since its establishment, except in 2004 when some anthropic activities were, exceptionally, authorized. Moreover, no park rangers to prevent poaching since 2002 occur. In order to carry out a long term monitoring of the artificial reef fish assemblages, underwater visual censuses (UVC) were carried out in 1988, 1998 and 2008, according to a traditional standardized visual census method that taken into account all fish species. The complexification of some large reefs built with wide voide spaces called Bonna reefs appear to be a good solution to increase species richness and density. Species richness and density of the fish assemblages showed significant increase between 1988 and 1998. However the fast increasing was stopped from 1998 and 2008 probably due to a lack of law enforcement and poaching. Despite artificial reefs were deployed in MPA since at least 20 years, they did not show a real positive impact on fish assemblages. These results could be explained (i) by a lack of law enforcement patrol within the protected areas during the last decade, and (ii) by the one-year opening to fishing activities within MPA. The real effectiveness of the artificial reefs in sustaining fish assemblages is discussed and the necessity of a regular and efficient control by park rangers is highlighted.Recifes artificiais foram implantados na área protegida Golfe-Juan (costa dos Alpes-Maritimes, Noroeste do Mediterraneo) criada em 1981. Esta área NTZ (Area de Restrição da Pesca ) é inteiramente protegida, desde seu estabelecimento, exceto em 2004, quando algumas atividades antropicas foram excepcionalmente autorizadas. Além disso, desde 2002, não houve nenhuma patrulha florestal para impedir a caça e pesca ilegais. . A fim realizar um monitoramento a longo prazo das assembléias artificiais dos peixes do recife, recenseamentos visuais subaquáticos (UVC) foram realizados em 1988, 1998 e 2008, de acordo com um método visual tradicional de recenseamento, que leva em consideração todas as espécies de peixes. A complexidade de alguns recifes grandes, construídos com amplos espaços vagos, chamados recifes Bonna parece ser uma boa solução para aumentar a riqueza e a densidade das espécies. A riqueza das espécies e a densidade das assembléias de peixes mostraram um aumento significativo entre 1988 e 1998. Entretanto esse aumento rápido parou entre 1998 e 2008 provavelmente devido à falta da aplicação da lei contra a caça e pesca ilegal. . Apesar dos recifes artificiais terem sido instalados em MPAs pelo menos há 20 anos atrás, eles não apresentaram um impacto positivo real nas assembléias de peixes. Estes resultados podem ser explicados (i) por uma falta de patrulhamento da aplicação da lei dentro das áreas protegidas durante a última década, e (ii) pela abertura de um ano de atividades de pesca dentro das MPAs. A eficiência real dos recifes artificiais para sustentar assembléias de peixes é discutida, destacando-se a necessidade de um controle regular e de um patrulhamento regular e eficiente dos parques.

The secondary productivity of reef epifauna is one of the least investigated aspects in artificial reef research. During the first 12 months after the deployment of the Faro/Ancão (Algarve, Portugal) artificial reef, we assessed the effect of substratum orientation on the secondary production of epibenthos, using the Boysen-Jensen method. Whenever the method could not be applied, secondary production was estimated by the P/B ratio. The results showed that the epibenthic production was higher on the horizontal surface throughout the study. However, at the end of the study period, the mean production showed similar values. The horizontally oriented surfaces showed a mean production between 128 and 103 g m-2 yr-1, while at the vertical surfaces the mean production varied between 103 and 98 g m-2 yr-1. Furthermore, the mean annual production was extrapolated for all the Algarve artificial reef complex,and we concluded that after one year of deployment theses artificial reefs were able to generate around 5 MT of epibenthic fauna.Um dos aspectos menos estudados sobre o funcionamento dos recifes artificiais prende-se com a sua produção secundária. Nesse sentido, ao longo dos primeiros 12 meses após a implantação do recife artificial de Faro/Ancão (Algarve, Portugal), desenvolveu-se um estudo com o objectivo de avaliar o efeito da orientação do substrato na produção secundária de epibentos, usando o método de Boysen-Jensen. Nos casos em que não foi possível aplicar este método, a produção secundária foi estimada a partir da taxa P/B. Os resultados mostraram que a produção epibêntica foi mais elevada na superfície horizontal. No entanto, no final do período de estudo, a produção média apresentou valores semelhantes. As superfícies de orientação horizontal tiveram uma produção média entre 128 e 103 g m-2yr-1, enquanto as superfícies verticais apresentaram uma produção média entre 103 e 98 g m-2 yr-1. A partir destes valores extrapolou-se a produção média anual para o complexo recifal da costa algarvia, tendo-se concluído que após um ano de implantação este complexo recifal gera cerca de 5 toneladas de fauna epibêntica.

Artificial reefs in Europe have been developed over the last 40 yrs. Most of these reefs have been placed in the Mediterranean Sea, but there is an increasing interest on the part of northern European countries. Fish stock enhancement and fishery management are the main purposes of reef construction in the Mediterranean Sea and on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, while nature conservation/restoration, research, and recreation have been the main purposes served in the other European regions to date. Artificial reef deployment falls under some general regulations concerning the protection of the sea against pollution due to the dumping of unsuitable materials. Specific Regional Plans relating to the use of artificial reefs in the marine environment and Guidelines for reef construction have been derived from these general regulations. In spite of recent developments, national and/or regional programs for the deployment of artificial reefs and/or their inclusion in overall management plans for integrated management of coastal zones are in force only in the majority of Mediterranean countries, while only a few projects have, to date, been undertaken in the other European Regions. Moreover, there is a noteworthy lack of plans, in many countries, for the management of the reefs after their deployment.Os recifes artificiais, na Europa, foram desenvolvidos nos últimos 40 anos. A maioria desses recifes foram instalados no Mar Mediterrâneo, mas despertam um interesse crescente por parte dos paises do norte europeu. O incentivo aos estoques pesqueiros e o manejo da pesca são os principais objetivos da construção de recifes no Mar Mediterrâneo e na costa Atlântica da Península Ibérica, enquanto a preservação / recuperação da natureza, a pesquisa e a recreação tem sido os principais objetivos das demais regiões européias até hoje. A implantação de recifes artificiais está submetida a algumas regulamentações básicas quanto à proteção dos oceanos com relação à poluição devido ao despejo de materiais. Projetos Regionais específicos relativos ao uso de recifes artificiais no ambiente marinho e Instruções para a construção de recifes são decorrentes dessa Regulamentação Geral. Apesar de avanços recentes, programas regionais e/ou nacionais sobre a instalação de recifes artificiais e/ou a sua inclusão nos planos gerais de planejamento para a gestão integral das zonas costeiras tem mais destaque somente em grande parte dos paises do Mediterrâneo, enquanto que, poucos projetos até hoje tem sido realizados nas outras Regiões Européias. Além disso, em muitos países, há uma notável falta de projetos para o manejo dos recifes, depois de instalados.

In this stakeholder analysis related to the artificial reef (AR) program located in the Algarve (Southern Portugal mainland) 21 different stakeholder clusters were identified. Stakeholders were classified as primary, secondary and external. It was found that stakeholder interaction with the structures can be of private, public or cooperative interest. In the analysis there were also identified and mapped the impact of the program on stakeholders and their power to influence the ARs' outcomes. Stakeholders' interactions with the ARs were studied, along with their likely attitudes and behavior towards the man-made structures. Finally, all stakeholder clusters were classified according to their expected degree of involvement throughout the different AR stages. The purpose of this stakeholder analysis was to find out winners and losers connected with the reef deployment. It was found that most stakeholder clusters were affected positively, but also four clusters affected negatively. However, it is believed that those that may be affected negatively do not pose a serious threat to the expected AR development along its lifetime.Nesta análise de intervenientes relativa ao programa de recifes artificiais (RAs) localizado na costa do Algarve (Sul de Portugal continental) foram identificados 21 grupos de atores distintos. Os intervenientes foram classificados em 3 grupos: primários, secundários e externos. Verificou-se que o interesse dos intervenientes face às estruturas recifais (interação) pode ser do tipo privado, público ou cooperativo. Na análise foram identificados os impactos do projeto sobre os intervenientes e o poder destes para influenciar os resultados do programa recifal. Foram definidas quais as interações e possíveis atitudes e comportamento dos intervenientes em relação aos RAs. Finalmente, todos os grupos de intervenientes foram classificados de acordo com o grau de envolvimento esperado ao longo das diferentes fases do programa recifal. O propósito desta análise de intervenientes foi identificar ganhadores e perdedores relacionados com a criação dos recifes artificiais. Verificou-se que a maioria dos grupos de intervenientes pode ser afetado positivamente, mas existem quatro grupos supostamente afetados negativamente. Contudo, acredita-se que estes últimos não constituem um risco sério ao desenvolvimento do programa recifal no decurso do seu tempo de vida.

Concrete modules were deployed on the bottom of the 11, 18 and 30 meters isobaths along a cross-shelf hydrographic gradient off Paraná State, Southern Brazil, with the purpose of studying the colonization of sessile epilithic macroinvertebrates on artificial surfaces. After one year of submersion a total of 63 species of epilithic organisms were identified, dominated by Ostrea puelchana, Chthamalus bisinuatus, Balanus cf spongicola, Astrangia cf rathbuni, Didemnum spp, poryphers and bryozoans. Diversity index and percent cover at reef stations placed at 11, 18 and 30 meters isobaths were respectively 2.28 and 66.7%, 2.79 and 96.6% and 1.66 and 77.4%. Differences of general community structure among the three assemblages were not clearly related to the general environmental conditions at the bottom layers near the reef stations. Turbidity and larval abundance are discussed as important factors affecting colonization processes. Results indicate that depths between 15-20 meters are more suitable for the implementation of large scale artificial reef systems in the inner shelf off Paraná and, possibly, throughout the inner shelves off southern Brazil with similar hydrographic conditions.Blocos quadriláteros de concreto foram assentados no fundo marinho nas isóbatas de 11, 18 e 30 metros ao longo de um transecto na plataforma interna perpendicular a costa do estado do Paraná, Região sudeste do Brasil, com o objetivo de analisar a colonização de macroinvertebrados epilíticos em superfícies artificiais em relação ao gradiente ambiental. Após um ano de submersão foram identificadas 63 espécies de organismos epilíticos dominados por Ostrea puelchana, Chthamalus bisinuatus, Balanus cf spongicola, Astrangia cf rathbuni, Didemnum spp, esponjas e briozoários. Os índices de diversidade e porcentagens de cobertura da macrofauna epilítica nos recifes artificiais assentados sobre as isóbatas de 11, 18 e 30 metros foram respectivamente 2.28 and 66.7%, 2.79 and 96.6% and 1.66 and 77.4%. As diferenças entre a estrutura da comunidade epilítica nas tres isóbatas não foram claramente relacionadas com as condições ambientais no fundo próximo aos recifes artificiais. Turbidez e abundância de larvas do meroplâncton foram considerados fatores importantes no controle da colonização epilítica e nas diferenças entre a estrutura das comunidades observada nos tres recifes experimentais. Os resultados indicam que profundidades entre 15 e 20 metros são mais adequadas para a instalação de sistemas de recifes artificiais em larga escala na plataforma do estado do Paraná e, possivelmente, em toda a região Sudeste do Brasil com características hidrográficas semelhantes.

New methods are needed to attract more interest to natural sciences among the public and young people. We established an underwater laboratory by placing cameras on an artificial reef (a sunken ferry) to create a new and inspiring way of teaching marine biology and showing science to the public. Here we describe the process and solutions to the technical challenges in designing the laboratory. Live-streaming from the underwater environment has great potential for teaching marine biology in new and exciting ways, and it could also be used more widely for stimulating interest among the general public in aquariums and museums.

In the UK, some of the oldest oil and gas installations have been in the water for over 40 years and have considerable colonisation by marine organisms, which may lead to both industry challenges and/or potential biodiversity benefits (e.g., artificial reefs). The project objective was to test the use of an automated image analysis software (CoralNet) on images of marine biofouling from offshore platforms on the UK continental shelf, with the aim of (i) training the software to identify the main marine biofouling organisms on UK platforms; (ii) testing the software performance on 3 platforms under 3 different analysis criteria (methods A–C); (iii) calculating the percentage cover of marine biofouling organisms and (iv) providing recommendations to industry. Following software training with 857 images, and testing of three platforms, results showed that diversity of the three platforms ranged from low (in the central North Sea) to moderate (in the northern North Sea). The two central North Sea platforms were dominated by the plumose anemone Metridium dianthus; and the northern North Sea platform showed less obvious species domination. Three different analysis criteria were created, where the method of selection of points, number of points assessed and confidence level thresholds (CT) varied: (method A) random selection of 20 points with CT 80%, (method B) stratified random of 50 points with CT of 90% and (method C) a grid approach of 100 points with CT of 90%. Performed across the three platforms, the results showed that there were no significant differences across the majority of species and comparison pairs. No significant difference (across all species) was noted between confirmed annotations methods (A, B and C). It was considered that the software performed well for the classification of the main fouling species in the North Sea. Overall, the study showed that the use of automated image analysis software may enable a more efficient and consistent approach to marine biofouling analysis on offshore structures; enabling the collection of environmental data for decommissioning and other operational industries.

Highlights: [•] We used acoustic telemetry to observe summer flounder movements at an artificial reef. [•] Larger and smaller fish occupied different areas near the reef. [•] Summer flounder movements were modeled with generalized linear models. [•] Movements varied with fish length, tide, time of day, lunar phase, and temperature. [•] We hypothesize that observed movements were primarily influenced by prey behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]