Artificial reef

Artificial reef‏‎

An Artificial reef is a man-made, underwater structure, typically built for the purpose of promoting marine life in areas with a generally featureless bottom. Artificial reefs can also serve to improve hydrodynamics for surfing or to control beach erosion.

History

Artificial reefs have a long history, dating back to the Ancient Persians who used artificial reefs to block the mouth of the river to prevent Indian pirates from sailing in. In the modern era, artificial reefs are often created from materials such as concrete, steel, and even decommissioned ships.

Types of Artificial Reefs

There are several types of artificial reefs, including shipwrecks, which are often scuttled to create habitat for marine life and attract divers. Other types include concrete structures and steel structures, which are designed to mimic natural reef systems.

Environmental Impact

Artificial reefs have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, they can create new habitats for marine life and can help to restore damaged natural reefs. However, they can also cause environmental damage if not properly designed and placed, such as by damaging existing ecosystems or creating navigation hazards.

Legal and Ethical Issues

There are many legal and ethical issues associated with artificial reefs. These include questions about who owns the reefs and the marine life that inhabits them, as well as concerns about the potential environmental impact of the reefs.

See Also

• Coral reef
• Marine conservation
• Ocean acidification